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Baked Three-Cheese Macaroni

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This baked three-cheese macaroni is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dry)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for tossing with bread crumbs)
  • Butter or cooking spray (for greasing baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7–8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
  4. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Remove from heat.
  6. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and 3/4 cup Parmesan to the sauce (reserve 1/4 cup Parmesan for topping). Stir until melted and smooth.
  7. In a large bowl, combine drained macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
  8. Pour half the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup extra cheddar and mozzarella over this layer. Add remaining macaroni mixture on top.
  9. In a small bowl, toss bread crumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until topping is golden and cheese is bubbling. For extra crispness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely).
  11. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the oven. Customize with different cheeses, add veggies, or stir in cooked bacon for variations. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, three cheese macaroni, comfort food, casserole, easy dinner, kid-friendly, vegetarian, pasta bake

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/baked-three-cheese-macaroni-recipe-best-easy-comfort-food/