Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this decadent Three Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe, featuring the perfect blend of sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyere, and nutty Parmesan cheeses. Each bite is a harmonious combination of tender elbow macaroni coated in a velvety cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection with a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is easy to assemble but delivers gourmet flavor, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts. The richness of melted cheese, a touch of paprika for depth, and the satisfying contrast of a crisp crust will make this baked macaroni and cheese your new go-to recipe. Perfect for cheese lovers, this dish is a comforting classic with an elevated twist.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5-6 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing until the pasta is fully coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy and crispy Three Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese!
Calories |
5859 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 339.7 g | 436% | |
| Saturated Fat | 188.0 g | 940% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 952 mg | 317% | |
| Sodium | 7067 mg | 307% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 454.0 g | 165% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.3 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.1 g | ||
| Protein | 235.6 g | 471% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.2 mcg | 51% | |
| Calcium | 5041 mg | 388% | |
| Iron | 22.5 mg | 125% | |
| Potassium | 1530 mg | 33% | |
*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.