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Best Three Cheese Mac N Cheese

Best Three Cheese Mac N Cheese
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Discover the creamy and cheesy Best Three Cheese Mac N Cheese, a classic comfort food blending sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and savory Parmesan melted into tender elbow macaroni. This velvety, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, offering rich flavor, easy preparation, and versatile options to customize to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for topping

Sauce

  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or cream for richer sauce)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for crunchy topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, following package instructions. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. Gently fold together to coat every noodle in cheesy goodness. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Optional Baking: For a crunchy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle extra Parmesan or breadcrumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and bubbling, about 20 minutes.

Notes

  • Grate your own cheese to ensure smooth melting—pre-shredded cheese often contains additives.
  • Use whole milk or cream for a richer, silkier sauce.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; drain it just before al dente to prevent mushy noodles when baked.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve perfect flavor balance.
  • Keep the sauce warm when combining with pasta to avoid clumping and ensure even coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, three cheese mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, family dinner, cheesy pasta, easy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/best-three-cheese-mac-n-cheese/