Description
Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food: Rich Mac and Cheese. This dish blends sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Gruyère into a silky, creamy sauce that wraps around every piece of elbow macaroni. Baked to perfection with a crispy golden panko topping, it’s an easy dinner idea or indulgent side dish that everyone will love. Whether you need a cozy weeknight meal, a dish to impress guests, or hearty food ideas for the holidays, this rich, oven-baked mac and cheese delivers on all fronts. Ideal for quick comfort meals, satisfying family dinners, or your go-to crowd-pleasing potluck recipe.
Ingredients
16 oz elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in the flour and stir for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flavor.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Let it simmer and thicken for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Add the pasta into the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
9. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
10. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter.
11. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the macaroni.
12. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
13. Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
Always grate your own cheese for the creamiest texture and best melt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy recipe, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, dinner ideas, food ideas, rich mac and cheese