If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole with Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe. It’s everything you want in mac and cheese: rich, cheesy, incredibly creamy, with a golden, crunchy top that makes every bite irresistible. Blending sharp cheddar’s bold flavor with the gooey stretch of mozzarella and the nutty depth of Parmesan creates a luscious dish that brings the whole family around the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients lined up for this dish is simple, but every single one plays a crucial role. Each cheese adds its own character, the seasonings amp up the flavor without overpowering, and the pasta is just right for holding all that creamy sauce. Plus, the optional breadcrumb topping brings the perfect crispy finish that’s so satisfying.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and bakes evenly.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a tangy, rich backbone with a nice bite.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides a melty, stretchy texture that feels indulgent.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty complexity that rounds out the flavor.
- Milk: The creamy base that helps create that luscious sauce.
- Unsalted butter: For richness and to form the roux with flour.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings to every macaroni piece perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savoriness enhancing the cheesy goodness.
- Onion powder: Deepens the flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Mustard powder: Adds a gentle tang that brightens all the rich flavors.
- Paprika: Delivers a warm hint of spice and a beautiful color tint.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance all the flavors.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): Creates a crunchy, golden topping for contrast.
- Olive oil (optional): Helps toast the breadcrumbs into a crisp, flavorful crust.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole with Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the Perfect Pasta
Start with bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the elbow macaroni to al dente ensures the pasta has just the right bite and won’t turn mushy when baked. Keep an eye on the clock and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, drain and give it a quick cold rinse to stop the cooking process and keep things firm.
Step 2: Crafting the Cheese Sauce
This is where the magic happens. Melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, cooking until it’s lightly golden. Slowly whisk in milk bit by bit — patience here prevents lumps and results in that dreamy sauce texture. Let it thicken up nicely, then flavor it with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Finally, stir in the triumvirate of cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan—melting them gently into one creamy, velvety mixture.
Step 3: Combining Pasta and Sauce
Pour your cooked macaroni into a big bowl and fold in the cheese sauce with tender care. Every piece should get well coated in rich cheese. Want to jazz it up? This stage’s perfect for mixing in extras like crispy bacon, sautéed veggies, or juicy diced tomatoes to add texture and bursts of flavor.
Step 4: Assembling Your Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture evenly into the dish. If you want that golden, crunchy topping, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle them generously on top for a beautiful crisp baked finish.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and you see the cheese bubbling happily underneath. It’s a sensory delight — the aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the table!
How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole with Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives atop for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika adds a beautiful smoky hint and vibrant red tones that makes it even more appealing. A drizzle of truffle oil can elevate this comfort dish to a restaurant-worthy meal for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to balance the richness. Simple steamed broccoli or green beans provide a nice fresh bite, while a tangy coleslaw cuts through the creamy indulgence perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving the macaroni cheese in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Or, turn leftovers into crispy mac and cheese balls by coating spoonfuls in breadcrumbs and frying them until golden brown — a fun appetizer twist that makes you a party hero.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for wonderful next-day meals.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Just cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for convenience. Adding a little splash of milk before reheating helps revive creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for mac and cheese, you can substitute with shells, penne, or cavatappi — just pick a short pasta that holds sauce well.
What if I don’t have all three cheeses?
Feel free to use what you have. Sharp cheddar is the star, so keep that. Mozzarella adds creaminess, and Parmesan adds a punch, but you can craft a great sauce with just cheddar or mix in any other favorite meltable cheese.
Is it necessary to use the breadcrumb topping?
Not at all. The breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch and golden color, but the casserole is deliciously creamy and perfect baked without it.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
It’s already vegetarian-friendly! For an extra layer of flavor, toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers instead of meat additions.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to dive into a dish that combines creamy, cheesy comfort with a crisp topping, the Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole with Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe is your new go-to. It’s simple, family-friendly, and endlessly satisfying — the kind of meal that turns ordinary weeknights into memorable moments. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole with Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this creamy and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese casserole featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings and promises a rich, smooth cheese sauce wrapped around tender elbow macaroni.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (optional):
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preparing the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt). Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Making the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns light golden. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and bubbles, approximately 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all seasonings. Add the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with the prepared cheese sauce, gently stirring to coat the pasta evenly. At this stage, you may fold in extras like cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or diced tomatoes if desired.
- Preparing the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. If using, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top for a crispy breadcrumb crust.
- Baking the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and fully heated through.
Notes
- For added flavor and texture, consider mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers before baking.
- Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, spices) to personal taste before placing the casserole in the oven.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunchy texture contrast to the creamy cheese sauce.
- Use full-fat milk and cheeses for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
