This Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food celebration, rich with gooey melted cheeses, a touch of golden crunch on top, and irresistible creamy sauce bubbling through every bite. If you’re after a dish that wraps you in cheesy happiness, whether as a hearty main or a crowd-pleasing side, this baked macaroni has you covered—trust me, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of staple ingredients to create Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni, but each one plays an important role in rounding out its heavenly texture and flavor. From the trio of cheeses to the classic elbow macaroni, every element brings something special to the table.
- Elbow macaroni: Its hollow, curved shape holds onto every drop of creamy cheese sauce—absolutely perfect for baked macaroni recipes.
- Unsalted butter: This is the foundation for your roux, lending richness and silky smoothness to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce, keeping it luscious and clingy rather than runny.
- Whole milk: Creamy but not overly heavy, it’s the key to a velvety base that lets the cheese shine through.
- Heavy cream: Adds extra richness and a decadent mouthfeel that takes the sauce over the top.
- Salt: Just the right amount to enhance the flavors (don’t forget—cheese adds some saltiness too).
- Black pepper: A touch of gentle heat to balance the richness and enliven each bite.
- Garlic powder: Subtle savoriness that infuses the cheese sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the cheese trio, it delivers bold flavor and gorgeous color.
- Mozzarella cheese: This one adds that irresistible stretch and creamy meltiness everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty, Parmesan gives the dish a lovely savory complexity.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (optional): For a crispy, golden topping—totally optional, but highly recommended for extra texture.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh green brightness to finish things off.
How to Make Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, ensuring nothing sticks and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 2: Boil the Macaroni
Bring a big pot of salted water to a lively boil and cook your elbow macaroni until just al dente. Be careful not to overcook—it’ll soften more in the oven. Drain well, give it a shake, and set aside while you make the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This cooks away the raw flour taste and forms a fabulous roux that will give your cheese sauce its signature velvety texture.
Step 4: Bring on the Creaminess
Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go. Stir constantly—a few minutes is all it takes for the sauce to thicken ever so slightly into silky smooth perfection. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to season the sauce at this stage.
Step 5: The Three-Cheese Transformation
Turn the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Watch as the cheeses swirl and melt, transforming the sauce into a gorgeously creamy mix. Don’t rush: stir until smooth so every bite of your Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni will be pure heaven.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the sauce, stirring gently to coat every curl. The mix should be creamy, cheesy, but not soupy—this is the secret to luscious baked macaroni that won’t dry out.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges. If you love a crispy top, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs all over. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and gorgeously golden.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Take the Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness, and serve it hot while the cheese is melty and decadent.
How to Serve Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, a shower of fresh chopped parsley adds color and brightness. If you’re a spice lover, a little pinch of red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of hot sauce gives your Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni a playful kick. And if you want to get fancy, a few shreds of extra Parmesan on top never hurt anyone!
Side Dishes
Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also plays beautifully with sides. Try it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or savory garlic bread. For potlucks or big gatherings, serve it alongside BBQ chicken or classic meatloaf for a full spread of comforting favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked mac in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or scoop it into muffin tins for adorable single-serve portions at a gathering. It’s also a hit piled into a big serving dish and sprinkled with extra cheese and herbs—a show-stopping centerpiece for any comfort-food feast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni, lucky you! Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more as it rests, making tomorrow’s meal just as (if not more) delicious!
Freezing
Want to make life easy? Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked macaroni, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions for swift weeknight dinners.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual servings in short intervals, stirring between bursts to keep the sauce creamy. A splash of milk stirred in before reheating helps restore its original lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Side Dish
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can swap in penne, shells, or even rotini for a fun twist—just make sure to cook until al dente so the pasta holds up perfectly during baking.
What cheeses work best if I want to substitute?
Certainly! For a different flavor, mix in Gruyère or fontina with your cheddar, or try smoked gouda for extra depth. The real secret to great Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni is combining at least one sharp cheese, one melty cheese, and something with savory notes like Parmesan.
Do I have to use the breadcrumb topping?
No, but it does add a wonderful crunch! If you prefer, you can leave it off entirely, or swap for crushed crackers or even fried onions for a different textured topping. The recipe is totally delicious either way.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! As written, Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni is meat-free. To keep it truly vegetarian, be sure your Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet, as some brands use it in processing.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free macaroni and substitute a 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend in the roux. Gluten-free breadcrumbs (or omitting them) keep the dish just as delightful and comforting for everyone.
Final Thoughts
If classic comfort food is your thing, Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni simply can’t be beat—and it’s even more satisfying when you make it from scratch. Whether you serve it as a side or main, you’re in for a treat that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Go ahead, grab your baking dish, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this cheesy masterpiece!
Print
Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Macaroni:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Topping and Garnish:
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk and cream. Add seasonings and cheeses until smooth.
- Combine and bake: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, pour into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs (if using), and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
- You can swap in Gruyère or fontina for a more gourmet twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
