Name: Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs; Chopped parsley for garnish

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dish that will make your home smell heavenly and bring everyone flocking to the table, you simply have to try this Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni! This creamy, bubbling classic is a beloved mainstay at gatherings in my house, and it’s so gloriously cheesy that there are never any leftovers. Perfectly al dente pasta, a velvety sauce of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and a golden breadcrumb crust make this dish a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Once you serve up a scoop, you’ll see why my family begs for Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni whenever a little extra comfort is in order.

Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a few simple staples turn into something so special! Each ingredient plays an essential part in making your Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni creamy, rich, and irresistibly golden, so don’t skip a thing.

Elbow macaroni (12 oz): Chubby elbows are classic here— they catch more cheese sauce in every bite and bake up perfectly tender.
Butter (2 tbsp): Melts down and creates the base for the luscious roux, adding richness and flavor.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Whisked into the butter for a smooth sauce that thickens beautifully.
Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and helps the cheese sauce stay silky without being too heavy.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives your mac a luxurious texture that feels extra special every time.
Salt (1 tsp): Balances all those cheesy flavors and wakes up the whole dish.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a gentle warmth to cut through the richness.
Garlic powder (½ tsp): Offers a savory undertone that makes the sauce sing.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1½ cups): The main flavor hero— bold, tangy, and gives the sauce its iconic color.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Brings gooey, stretchy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying.
Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup): Infuses the whole dish with salty, nutty depth.
Seasoned breadcrumbs (½ cup, optional): Sprinkle on top for a crunchy, buttery finish you’ll crave in every forkful.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color that makes the Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni as eye-catching as it is delicious.

How to Make Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

Step 1: Prep the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente—no mushy noodles allowed! Drain them and set aside; they’ll finish cooking in that irresistible cheese sauce while baking.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Let’s build the flavor foundation: In a large saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until smooth to form a roux. You want to cook this for about a minute so you lose any raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown!

Step 3: Add the Dairy and Seasoning

Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly—this prevents lumps and makes the sauce heavenly smooth. Cook for 3–4 minutes until it just thickens, then add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The aroma right now is pure magic.

Step 4: Stir in the Three Cheeses

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until they melt into a glossy, creamy sauce. The Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni sauce should be totally smooth and decadently cheesy at this point!

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Add the drained pasta to the sauce, mixing well so every noodle is coated (and taste-test a noodle for “science”). Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you want, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs evenly over the top for that save-the-best-for-last crunch.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Bake the casserole at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so every portion slices perfectly. Don’t forget to shower the top with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Serve Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens up the entire baking dish with a pop of color and just enough freshness to balance the rich, gooey cheese. For a hint of heat, you can toss on some red pepper flakes, or try a dusting of extra Parmesan for next-level savoriness. However you top it, these simple additions make your Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

A big, tangy green salad is my favorite partner for Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni, as the crisp veggies and zippy dressing balance the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are always welcome for mopping up every last bit of cheese sauce. If you want lighter sides, try simply roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, adding wonderful texture and color to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve individual portions in mini ramekins or make Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni muffins in a cupcake tin—these are always a hit with both kids and adults at parties. You can also scoop generous mounds into pasta bowls and finish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or herbed breadcrumbs for that extra chef’s kiss. However you present it, people will be asking for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing, and you’ll have the ultimate grab-and-go comfort lunch ready in minutes.

Freezing

To enjoy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni down the road, you can freeze the baked (or even unbaked) casserole tightly covered in foil. It keeps well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze in single portions so you can thaw and reheat only what you need.

Reheating

For reheating, place portions in a covered baking dish and warm at 350°F until heated through—about 15–20 minutes. You might want to add a splash of milk to keep the mac and cheese extra creamy. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave on medium power works too, but the oven delivers that freshly baked texture everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic, you can swap in shells, cavatappi, or penne. The key is to pick a noodle with grooves or curves to catch all that luscious cheese sauce.

What other cheese blends work in Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni?

Feel free to experiment! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or fontina melt beautifully and add unique flavor. Just be sure to keep a sharp cheddar in the mix for that traditional tang.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are easy to find if you still want a crunchy topping.

How do I avoid a grainy cheese sauce?

Shred cheese from a block (not pre-shredded) for smoother melting, and be sure to add cheese off the heat to keep the sauce velvety instead of stringy or grainy.

Can I add vegetables or protein?

Absolutely! Cooked bacon, sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or even diced ham mix in deliciously. It’s a great way to sneak in extra flavor or use up leftovers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something classic yet utterly comforting, you can’t go wrong with this Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni. It comes out creamy, golden, and incredibly satisfying every single time. Give it a spot on your menu this week and watch it become everyone’s new favorite!

Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni recipe. Creamy and cheesy, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings:

½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Cook until slightly thickened. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until melted and smooth.
Combine and Bake: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.