Description
Creamy Three Cheese Baked Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food that warms both the heart and soul! This dish features a rich, velvety cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, topped with a golden, crispy crust.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup each of shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well-coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you want an extra touch, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: You can assemble the macaroni and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Consider adding cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or even cooked chicken for added flavor and texture. For a crunchy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.