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Baked Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses

A delightful blend of creamy textures and rich flavors, this baked mac and cheese combines cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a comforting dish perfect for any night.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni Choose packages marked 'durum wheat' for a firmer bite.
Cheeses
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use high-quality cheese for best flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Provides a stretchy texture.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds sharpness.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons butter Melt over medium heat without browning.
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour To make a roux.
  • 2 cups milk Use whole milk for creaminess.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For flavor enhancement.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder For flavor enhancement.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Season as desired.
Topping (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Optional for a crunchy topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions and drain.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in the milk until thickened.
  6. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the milk mixture, stirring until melted.
  7. Mix the cheese sauce with the macaroni. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  8. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs if desired.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for best texture.