Description
This easy 3 cheese mac recipe is the ultimate comfort food, packed with creamy, gooey, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something rich and satisfying. A delicious combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth
Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Stir until completely melted and creamy
Season with garlic powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper to taste
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently until fully coated
If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese along with the shredded cheeses. Feel free to swap out the cheeses based on your preference, like adding gouda or gruyère for a richer flavor. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour. For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, bacon, or even lobster.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and optional baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: 3 cheese mac recipe, creamy mac and cheese, triple cheese macaroni