Back to Recipe
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Get ready for the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese ever! With sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and a hint of smoked paprika, this dish is all about cozy, gooey goodness. Topped with a crunchy layer of buttery panko and Parmesan, it’s perfect for family dinners, chilly nights, or whenever you need a serious comfort food fix!

Author: Real Life of Lulu

Meal Type: Peanuts Free

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 731 kcal per serving

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces - Elbow Macaroni
  • ½ cups - Butter unsalted
  • ¼ cups - Flour all-purpose
  • 3 cups - Whole Milk
  • 1 cup - Whipping Cream
  • ½ tsp - Smoked Paprika
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 3 cups - Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 cups - Gruyere Cheese
  • 1 cup - Panko Bread Crumbs
  • ½ cups - Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350℉.
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  3. Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  5. Once melted, whisk the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  6. Gradually whisk in the milk and whipping cream, making sure there are no lumps.
  7. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  8. Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  9. Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted completely and smooth.
  10. Taste and add more seasoning or salt and pepper as needed.
  11. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until completely combined.
  12. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the greased casserole dish.
  13. In a small saucepan, melt the rest of the butter (4 tablespoons).
  14. Once melted, mix in the panko breadcrumbs until they are well coated.
  15. In a small bowl, combine the buttered panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  16. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese evenly.
  17. Bake at 350℉ for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  18. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Energy: 731 kcal | Total Fat: 52 g | Saturated: 23 g | Trans: 1 g | Unsaturated: 0 g | Cholesterol: 156 mg | Total Carbs: 59 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 7 g | Proteins: 33 g | Sodium: 938 mg | Polyunsaturated: 2 g | Monounsaturated: 10 g

©2026 OnlineCook LLC