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Three Cheese Baked Macaroni

Three Cheese Baked Macaroni
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Discover the creamy, cheesy delight of Three Cheese Baked Macaroni, a comforting and easy-to-make dish that blends gooey melted cheeses with tender pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures that will quickly become a family favorite. Customize with your preferred cheeses or extras, and enjoy leftovers that taste just as good reheated.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or small shell pasta

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 3 cups whole milk (or 2% milk or oat milk)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your macaroni in salted water until it’s just al dente. This ensures your pasta holds up well during baking and doesn’t turn mushy. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the sauce thickens, add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, then gradually stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until fully melted and silky.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until every piece is luxuriously coated. This step is where the magic happens, ensuring creamy, cheesy pasta throughout.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. If you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs and a little extra Parmesan on top for a crisp, golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  5. Rest and Serve: Allow the baked dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to help set the layers and enhance the flavors.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan for deeper flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente works best for baking.
  • Whisk constantly when adding milk to prevent lumps and achieve a silky sauce.
  • Customize the topping with panko breadcrumbs and herbs like thyme for extra crunch and aroma.
  • Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, three cheese macaroni, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, easy macaroni recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/three-cheese-baked-macaroni/