Description
Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with a rich, creamy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and a bit of extra cheese, if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses for a deeper flavor—Gruyère or fontina can be added.
- To make ahead, prepare and refrigerate before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
- Add cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed veggies for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: three cheese macaroni, baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, vegetarian mac and cheese