Three-Cheese Macaroni

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Get ready to dive into a comforting and creamy bowl of Three-Cheese Macaroni. This isn't your ordinary mac 'n' cheese—it's a rich blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, baked to perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck hit!

Ingredients for Three-Cheese Macaroni

The magic begins with elbow macaroni, as it traps the luscious cheese sauce in its curves. Butter and flour create a roux, the base for our creamy sauce. Using both whole milk and heavy cream ensures the sauce is rich and indulgent. The trio of cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan—each bring a unique element: sharpness, meltiness, and nuttiness, respectively. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the flavor profile, while breadcrumbs give the dish its crunchy top layer.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality.
  • Panko breadcrumbs can be used for extra crunch.
  • Ensure the milk and cream are at room temperature to prevent clumping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Three-Cheese Macaroni with a simple green salad to balance its richness. For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted chicken or grilled sausages. A glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the cheesy flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for different flavors.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Three-Cheese Macaroni Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. While the oven warms up, cook the elbow macaroni according to its package instructions. Once they're al dente, drain and set them aside. No need to rinse—just let them hang out until you're ready.

Next, grab a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes until you have a smooth paste—it should look a bit like wet sand. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps are left behind. Cook this mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes should do the trick.

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until you have a velvety sauce. Season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to bring out the flavors.

Now, fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every bit of pasta is coated. Transfer this cheesy goodness into a baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs over the top, spreading them evenly.

Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool slightly before digging in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Homemade cheese sauce that's creamy and smooth.
  • Three different cheeses for a flavor explosion.
  • Golden, crispy breadcrumb topping adds texture.
  • Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it forms a smooth paste.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
8. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish.
9. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top to form an even layer.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. Let cool slightly before serving.

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