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
Scale
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
