Description
Indulge in creamy comfort with Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni. This easy recipe is a cheesy delight that will satisfy your cravings! With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheeses
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the elbow macaroni until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated in that gooey goodness.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle additional cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Fresh cheese melts better and enhances the flavor significantly compared to pre-grated options.
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to substitute your favorite cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
- Top with breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, baked pasta