Creamy Three Cheese Baked Macaroni (Printable)
Ultra-creamy baked macaroni with three melted cheeses and crispy golden panko topping. Pure comfort in every bite.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta Base
01 - 14 oz elbow macaroni
→ Three-Cheese Mornay Sauce
02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 - 2/3 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
07 - 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
08 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
11 - 1/2 tsp paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Crispy Panko Topping
13 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
15 - 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
16 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente, approximately 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns lightly golden and fragrant.
04 - Gradually pour in milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
05 - Remove pan from heat. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella until completely melted and silky smooth. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
06 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently until every piece is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer.
07 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated parmesan. Sprinkle the mixture evenly across the surface of the macaroni.
08 - Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is deeply golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
09 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The trio of cheeses creates layers of flavor that single cheese versions never achieve.
- That golden panko crust crackling under your spoon is pure kitchen magic.
02 -
- Shred your own cheese because pre shredded contains anti caking agents that make sauce grainy.
- Undercooking pasta by two minutes prevents mushy disappointment after baking.
03 -
- Warm your milk slightly before adding to the roux for smoother sauce with fewer lumps.
- Add two tablespoons of cream cheese for silkiness that will make people beg for your secret.