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Creamy Baked Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese - featured image

Creamy Baked Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Luciana
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A rich, luxurious baked mac and cheese featuring a béchamel base and a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan. This recipe yields a creamy interior with a golden, crispy topping, perfect for comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 1 minute less than package directions. Drain, toss with a little oil, and set aside. Do not rinse.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tbsp flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells nutty.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Add Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère until melted and smooth.
  6. Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
  7. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. Mix Panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over the top along with grated Parmesan.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Optionally broil for 2 minutes for extra crispness.
  10. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Notes

Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Let the mac and cheese rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken. Do not overcook the pasta before baking as it will continue to cook in the oven.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 40
  • Saturated Fat: 25
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac, three cheese mac, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy mac and cheese, family friendly

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Find it online: https://familydinnerecipes.com/creamy-baked-three-cheese-mac-and-cheese-10-best-easy-recipe/