Description
Ultimate Baked Three-Cheese Mac & Cheese
This rich, creamy, and extra cheesy mac & cheese features a golden, crispy topping and a perfect balance of gooey melted cheeses. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients:
For the Mac & Cheese:
3 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
4 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded gouda or gruyère cheese
For the Topping:
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth.
Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly.
Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Combine & Assemble:
Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Prepare the Topping:
In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle evenly over the mac & cheese.
Bake to Perfection:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Get ready for the cheesiest, most irresistible baked mac & cheese ever!
Would you like to add bacon, jalapeños, or a spicy twist?
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for guaranteed success. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the pasta in well-salted water, ensuring it is al dente (firm to the bite), as it will continue cooking in the oven. For the roux (the sauce base), melt the butter over medium heat. Once foaming subsides, whisk in the flour and cook for a full 60 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat before stirring in the shredded cheeses; residual heat will melt them smoothly. Combine sauce and pasta, then pour into your prepared dish.
Serving Suggestions
This rich mac and cheese pairs perfectly with simple, fresh sides to balance the meal. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. For a classic comfort food spread, add buttermilk biscuits or crispy garlic bread. To turn it into a heartier main course, top individual servings with crumbled cooked bacon, sliced jalapeños, or pulled pork.
How-to Summary
Boil pasta until al dente. Create a creamy cheese sauce by making a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in milk and cream. Season and melt in the three cheeses off the heat. Combine sauce with pasta, transfer to a baking dish, and top with a buttery panko-Parmesan mixture. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use different cheeses? Absolutely. For best results, maintain a balance of a good melter (like mozzarella or fontina), a flavorful sharp cheese (like aged cheddar), and a creamy, nutty cheese (like Gruyère).
Why is my sauce grainy? Graininess often occurs from overheating the cheese. Always remove the sauce from the burner before stirring in the shredded cheese. Also, pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
Can I freeze baked mac and cheese? It’s possible but may affect texture. The dairy sauce can separate slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze before baking, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
How do I get a crispier topping? Ensure your panko topping is in an even, single layer. For extra crunch, broil for the final 1-2 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Mushy pasta will ruin the dish’s texture. Cook only to al dente.
- Adding cheese to high heat: This causes the fats to separate, creating an oily, grainy sauce. Always take the pot off the heat first.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: These cheeses are coated and do not melt as smoothly. Block cheese, shredded yourself, is superior.
- Underseasoning the sauce: Taste your cheese sauce before combining with pasta. It should be well-seasoned, as the pasta will dilute the flavor.
- Skipping the bake: While the stovetop version is creamy, baking creates the essential crispy, textured topping that defines this dish.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Baked Three-Cheese Mac & Cheese is a masterclass in comfort food, combining a luxuriously creamy interior with a satisfyingly crunchy top. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can consistently create a spectacular centerpiece dish. Its versatility allows for endless customizations, from added proteins to spicy kicks, making it a timeless recipe you’ll return to again and again. Gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and get ready for the most decadent, crowd-pleasing mac and cheese you’ve ever made.