Grandma Jackie's Ultimate Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese

NATIONAL MACARONI DAY

July 7

• Celebrate One of the World's Favorite Comfort Foods

RECIPE

Grandma Jackie's Ultimate Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese

A rich, creamy homemade classic with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Bake Time

25 Minutes

Serves

6–8

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Cheese Blend

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar

  • 1 cup Gruyère

  • 1 cup mozzarella

  • ½ cup Parmesan

Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

  • Extra Parmesan

Directions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Boil macaroni until just al dente.

Drain well.

2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter.

Whisk in flour.

Slowly add milk and cream.

Stir until smooth.

Mix in Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Add cheeses until melted.

3️⃣ Assemble

Combine macaroni with cheese sauce.

Pour into a buttered baking dish.

Top with buttered panko and Parmesan.

4️⃣ Bake

Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Grandma Jackie's Tip

For extra flavor, mix in crispy bacon, smoked gouda, roasted broccoli, pulled pork, lobster, or buffalo chicken before baking.

🇮🇹 TASTE OF ITALY

While today's baked macaroni and cheese is an American comfort food favorite, pasta itself has deep roots in Italy, where every region proudly celebrates its own unique pasta traditions.

Imagine enjoying handmade pasta while traveling through:

Bologna — Famous for rich meat sauces and handmade pasta.

Sorrento — A beautiful coastal town known for fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

Rome — Home of timeless classics like Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara.

From neighborhood trattorias to elegant seaside cafés, Italy reminds us that some of life's best memories begin around the dinner table.

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HAPPY NATIONAL MACARONI DAY!

"Good pasta fills your plate. Great travel fills your soul."