Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Three Cheese Macaroni recipe! Featuring a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan, this dish takes classic mac and cheese to the next level. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is drenched in a velvety cheese sauce made with whole milk, heavy cream, and a hint of ground mustard for a flavorful twist. For an added touch of elegance, top it with golden breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of paprika before broiling to bubbly perfection. This easy homemade macaroni and cheese is ready in under an hour and serves six—ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever a craving strikes. Treat yourself to the creamy decadence of this three-cheese masterpiece today!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and ground mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top and optionally dust with paprika for color.
Place the baking dish under a broiler set to high for 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Calories |
5181 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 282.2 g | 362% | |
| Saturated Fat | 166.1 g | 830% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 852 mg | 284% | |
| Sodium | 5947 mg | 259% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 444.6 g | 162% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.3 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.5 g | ||
| Protein | 200.9 g | 402% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 4073 mg | 313% | |
| Iron | 21.6 mg | 120% | |
| Potassium | 1551 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.