Description
This rich and creamy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s baked to golden perfection and topped with crispy breadcrumbs for an added crunch. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine the Macaroni and Sauce: Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing until well coated.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is bubbling
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup of cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon bits or sautéed vegetables for a variation.
- The breadcrumb topping can be made crispier by broiling for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg