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Creamy Ultimate Homemade Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

homemade three cheese mac and cheese - featured image
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A creamy, dreamy mac and cheese made with a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses in a smooth béchamel sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect comfort food for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup (110 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (110 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp salt, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp (55 g) unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour steadily to form a smooth paste. Cook for about 2 minutes until light golden.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) warm whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and if using, 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp mustard powder.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and gradually stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated parmesan until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
  6. Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni and stir gently to coat all pasta.
  7. Optional: Transfer to a buttered oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheddar and parmesan on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results. Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid grainy sauce. Warm milk before adding to roux to prevent lumps. Optional baking step adds a crispy golden crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, three cheese mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/creamy-ultimate-homemade-three-cheese-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-and-delicious/