Overview

Three-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is a classic comfort food dish that combines creamy macaroni with a blend of three delicious cheeses, baked to perfection for a bubbly, golden topping. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a cozy meal!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

Timing

Making the Three-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season: Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1. Mix Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

1. Mix Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika (if using). Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
2. Top the Mac & Cheese: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

1. Garnish: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley or cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Three-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	15g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match cheeses according to your preference. Gouda, fontina, or pepper jack can add unique flavors.
• Add-ins: Consider adding cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for some heat.

Conclusion

Three-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this recipe is a must-try for any mac and cheese lover! Enjoy this delightful recipe!