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Creamy Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe with Perfect Crispy Golden Crust

creamy three-cheese mac and cheese - featured image
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A comforting and indulgent homemade mac and cheese featuring a silky three-cheese sauce and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. Ready in about 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture bubbles but does not brown.
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until cheeses melt into a smooth sauce.
  5. Pour cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix until every noodle is coated.
  6. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Toss to coat evenly.
  7. Transfer mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crisp and the sauce bubbles around the edges.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

If the breadcrumb topping browns too quickly, tent the dish with foil halfway through baking. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushy texture. For gluten-free, substitute flour, pasta, and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese but monitor topping to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, three-cheese mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, crispy breadcrumb topping, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-three-cheese-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-perfect-crispy-golden-crust/