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Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese - featured image

Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Melano
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, comforting baked mac and cheese made with a classic roux, three types of cheese (Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan), and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Shred the cheddar and Gruyère, and grate the Parmesan. Mix them together in a bowl.
  3. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook 1 minute less than package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
  4. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly to form a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
  5. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove pan from heat. Stir in the cheese mixture gradually until melted and smooth. Add egg yolk, mustard powder, pepper, and salt. Whisk until glossy.
  7. Toss cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  8. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to ensure it sets properly and isn’t runny. For reheating, add a splash of milk to a skillet and heat gently.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac, three cheese, comfort food, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, family friendly

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Find it online: https://foodnest.info/three-cheese-baked-mac-best-easy-5pm-dinner/