How to Make the Perfect Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

Boil the Pasta

Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in seasonings and cheese until smooth.

Combine & Assemble

Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.

Add Crunchy Topping

Top with buttery panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.

Bake Until Golden

Bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden brown, then serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce.

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest and creamiest sauce.

Substitute heavy cream with more milk for a lighter version.

Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

Name: Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked macaroni dish featuring a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

12 oz elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

Add Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well.

Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.

Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make the Perfect Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

Ingredients

Instructions