Description
Creamy, cheesy, and easy to make, this Three Cheese Baked Macaroni features a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan melted over perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It’s a comforting homemade dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures that are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 3 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to form a roux.
- Add milk and thicken: Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and gently bubbles, creating a creamy béchamel base.
- Stir in the cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir gently to coat evenly.
- Bake to golden perfection: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs and extra Parmesan on top if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheeses for best melting results instead of pre-shredded.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Whisk constantly when making the roux and adding milk to avoid lumps.
- Balance sharp, mild, and nutty cheeses for perfect flavor.
- Don’t skip the bread crumbs for a crunchy topping contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: three cheese baked macaroni, mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta
