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Creamy Three Cheese Macaroni

A comforting and creamy macaroni dish made with three types of cheese, perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter Use unsalted butter to control salt.
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk Whole milk preferred for a luscious sauce.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Adds silkiness and richness to the dish.
Cheeses
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used for extra flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika Optional for added flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish
  • Chopped parsley For garnishing before serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan until melted into a creamy sauce.
  4. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Mix in the cooked pasta until all pasta is evenly coated in sauce.
Bake
  1. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with remaining Parmesan and a sprinkle of cheddar.
  2. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For extra crunch, top with buttery breadcrumbs before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.