Description
This comforting Three Cheese Baked Macaroni recipe features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Finished with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a classic American comfort food perfect for easy dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the macaroni dish to perfection.
- Cook Macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Season Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika to flavor the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Melt Cheeses: Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan to the sauce. Stir continuously until all cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni thoroughly into the cheese sauce ensuring every piece is coated evenly for the best flavor distribution.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese for a deliciously crunchy crust (optional).
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked macaroni sit for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps it set slightly for easier serving and better texture.
Notes
- Try swapping in Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack cheese for a unique and delicious twist on flavors.
- For an extra crispy and golden topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
