Grandma's Secret Mac and Cheese Recipe - Creamy & Crispy!

🍝 GRANDMA'S SECRET SWEET & SPICY MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE 🍝 This is my grandmother's legendary mac and cheese recipe that's been winning hearts for 43 YEARS! Watch as she shares her unusual but DELICIOUS twist on the classic comfort food with Dijon mustard, honey, smoked gouda, and a caramelized brown sugar crust that'll blow your mind! ⏱️ RECIPE TIMING: 🕐 Prep Time: 20 minutes 🕐 Cook Time: 30 minutes 🕐 Total Time: 50 minutes 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Serves: 8-10 people 📝 INGREDIENTS: FOR THE SAUCE & PASTA: • 1 pound elbow macaroni • 6 tablespoons butter • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 3 cups whole milk (warmed) • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) • 1 cup smoked gouda cheese (shredded) • 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened) • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard ⭐ THE SECRET! • 1 tablespoon honey ⭐ THE SECRET! • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg • Salt & black pepper to taste FOR THE CRISPY TOP: • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • 4 tablespoons melted butter • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated) • 2 tablespoons brown sugar ⭐ CREATES CARAMELIZED CRUST! • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper • Fresh parsley (optional) 📖 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Cook elbow macaroni to 3/4 doneness in salted boiling water, drain & set aside 2. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in heavy saucepan, add flour, stir for 2 minutes until roux forms 3. Slowly pour warm milk while whisking constantly, stir for 5 minutes until thickened 4. Add cream cheese, then sharp cheddar & smoked gouda, stir until melted & smooth 5. Add Dijon mustard, honey, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt & pepper 6. Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce, pour into buttered 9x13 baking dish 7. Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, parmesan, brown sugar, paprika & cayenne for topping 8. Sprinkle topping evenly over mac and cheese 9. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown, let rest 5 minutes before serving 💡 GRANDMA'S PRO TIPS: ✨ The Dijon mustard adds depth & complexity ✨ The honey adds subtle sweetness that balances flavors ✨ Brown sugar creates an INCREDIBLE caramelized crust ✨ Smoked gouda gives it that unique smoky flavor ✨ Never let cheese get too hot or it becomes grainy ✨ Use freshly shredded cheese, not pre-shredded! ✨ Warm milk prevents lumps in the sauce ✨ Make ahead: Assemble night before, bake next day (add 5 min) ✨ Leftovers keep 3 days in fridge, reheat at 325°F ❓ WHY THIS RECIPE IS DIFFERENT: Unlike traditional mac and cheese, this version combines Dijon mustard + honey + smoked gouda + caramelized brown sugar crust for an UNUSUAL but absolutely DELICIOUS twist! It's comfort food with personality, familiar yet different, and guaranteed to become your family's new favorite! 🎬 THIS VIDEO FEATURES: ✓ Authentic grandmother cooking ✓ Traditional countryside cottage kitchen ✓ Step-by-step recipe demonstration ✓ Cozy autumn harvest atmosphere ✓ Family recipe passed down 3 generations ✓ Perfect for potlucks & family gatherings ✓ Made from scratch, no shortcuts! 📌 PERFECT FOR: 🍽️ Family dinners 🍽️ Holiday potlucks 🍽️ Comfort food lovers 🍽️ Home cooking enthusiasts 🍽️ Traditional recipes 🍽️ Easy weeknight dinners 🍽️ Make-ahead meals #GrandmasRecipe #MacAndCheese #ComfortFood #HomeCooking #TraditionalRecipe #EasyRecipe #FamilyRecipe #CookingVideo #FoodASMR #VintageRecipe #NostalgiaRecipe #DailyRecipe #RecipeVideo #CookingChannel