3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and decadent 3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Featuring a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish perfectly balances bold flavors and luscious cheesiness. The tender elbow macaroni is smothered in a homemade cheese sauce, seasoned with a hint of paprika for a subtle smoky kick. For an extra touch of indulgence, top it with golden, buttery breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and crisp. Ready in just 40 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main course for a family dinner. Whether you serve it straight from the stovetop or baked to perfection, this macaroni and cheese will quickly become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.75 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes a light golden color.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time. Stir until fully melted and combined.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
If you prefer a baked version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, 3 cheese macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
726 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.8 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.3 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 96 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 1037 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.5 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.2 g | ||
| Protein | 34.1 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 709 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 331 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
