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Melty Three-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese for Ultimate Comfort

Melty Three-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese for Ultimate Comfort

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Melty Three-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni can substitute with shells or rotini

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter or margarine for a dairy-free option
  • 2 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour gluten-free flour can be used
  • 2 cups Milk whole or 2%; almond or oat milk for dairy-free
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard optional for added flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic for a robust taste
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder fresh onions can be sautéed for better flavor
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese or mild cheddar for less intensity
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Fontina cheese can be a substitute
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can be used for a different taste

For the Topping

  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs panko or regular; crushed crackers can be substituted
  • 2 tablespoon Melted Butter
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese nutritional yeast can be used as a vegan option
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika optional for color

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Boil the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until bubbling.
  • Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
  • Remove from heat and add sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, stirring until all cheese is melted and velvety.
  • Gently mix the cooked elbow macaroni with the creamy cheese sauce until well coated.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
  • In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and paprika. Mix well.
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Baked Pasta, Cheese Dish, comfort food, Easy Dinner, mac and cheese, Versatile Recipe
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