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baked three cheese mac - featured image

Best Baked Three Cheese Mac: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

  • Author: caroline_hicks
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, comforting baked mac and cheese featuring a perfect blend of sharp cheddar, nutty gruyère, and stretchy mozzarella, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil penne pasta in salted water until slightly undercooked (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside; do not rinse.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in warm milk. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (5-7 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add shredded cheddar, gruyère, and mozzarella. Stir until melted and smooth.
  7. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated.
  8. Toss panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and a pinch of paprika.
  9. Pour pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with breadcrumb mixture.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  11. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 475
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 16
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 20

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac, three cheese mac, comfort food, easy dinner, cheddar, gruyère, mozzarella, panko topping

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Find it online: https://eatlure.com/best-baked-three-cheese-mac-easy-30-minute-recipe/