Creamy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Introduction

Creamy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. This dish combines tender macaroni pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of three delicious cheeses, baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping. It’s creamy, indulgent, and full of flavor, making it a favorite for both family dinners and special occasions. The combination of cheeses ensures a perfect balance of sharpness, creaminess, and gooey meltiness in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a classic comfort food and elevates it to perfection. The combination of three cheeses—sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan—creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of macaroni. Every bite is indulgent, creamy, and cheesy, yet perfectly balanced so it’s never overwhelming.

What really makes this dish special is the golden, crunchy topping, which adds texture and contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy interior. It’s comforting, satisfying, and brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the table. I also love how versatile it is—you can add vegetables, bacon, or spices to make it your own.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms simple pasta and cheese into a rich, indulgent, and comforting masterpiece. The combination of three cheeses—sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan—creates a deeply flavorful, velvety sauce that coats every macaroni perfectly. The golden, crispy breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy interior.

It’s versatile, easy to make, and loved by both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions. Whether served as a main course or a decadent side, this baked macaroni and cheese delivers comfort, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor in every bite. Its balance of creaminess, cheesiness, and texture makes it a timeless classic that everyone should experience at least once.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: Approximately 450–500 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
• Course: Main Course / Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 400g (14 oz) elbow macaroni or any short pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Make cheese sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk until thickened. Add seasonings and cheeses.
3. Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce and pour into a greased baking dish.
4. Mix breadcrumbs with butter and Parmesan; sprinkle over the top.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
   • Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Cook for 5–6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   • Add salt, pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and stir well.
   • Remove from heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine pasta and sauce: Pour cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
5. Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika.
6. Assemble the casserole: Pour macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
7. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Cool slightly and serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy baked macaroni and cheese hot as a main dish or side. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce.
• For extra cheesy flavor, add more cheddar or mozzarella.
• Don’t overbake—overbaking can dry out the pasta.
• For a crunchier topping, use panko breadcrumbs.

Variations

• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add cooked, crumbled bacon into the pasta before baking.
• Vegetable Mac and Cheese: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
• Gourmet Version: Mix Gruyère or fontina cheese into the sauce for a richer flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze before baking or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Oven

Conclusion

Creamy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves. With its rich, velvety cheese sauce, tender pasta, and golden, crispy topping, it’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights at home. This recipe is easy to make, versatile, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a creative variation, it’s guaranteed to be a hit every time.

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Creamy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 500 kcal per serving

Description

Creamy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. This dish combines tender macaroni pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of three delicious cheeses, baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pasta:

• 400 g (14 oz)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Topping:

• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven : Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce : In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.Cook for 5–6 minutes until the sauce thickens.Add salt, pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and stir well.Remove from heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine pasta and sauce : Pour cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
5. Prepare topping : In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika.
6. Assemble the casserole : Pour macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
7. Bake : Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Cool slightly and serve : Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Keywords: Creamy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese