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Best Three-Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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This three-cheese baked mac and cheese features a creamy, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, topped with a golden, bubbly crust. It’s a family-friendly comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (or any short pasta like cavatappi, shells, or rotini)
  • Salt for the pasta water
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (warmed)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
  3. While the pasta cooks, start the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light golden and smells nutty.
  4. Slowly pour in the warm milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheese one handful at a time, stirring gently after each addition until melted. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Combine the pasta and sauce. Pour the drained pasta into the pot of cheese sauce and stir gently until every piece is coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown. For extra color, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully.
  10. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven. Warm the milk and cream before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, three-cheese mac and cheese, comfort food, family dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/best-three-cheese-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/