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Ultimate Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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Looking for the ultimate comfort food to satisfy your cravings? This Ultimate Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect choice for those chilly winter nights when you’re craving a warm, cheesy bowl of goodness. With a blend of sharp cheddar, colby jack, and mozzarella, this creamy pasta dish delivers irresistible flavor in every bite. It’s the ideal dish for cozy Sunday dinners or an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re searching for hearty pasta recipes or delicious dinner recipes to keep everyone happy, this macaroni and cheese will be your go-to for ultimate comfort and satisfaction. Perfect for winter meals, this dish brings the cozy vibes and keeps you full all night long!

mac and cheese on plate

Makes 12 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Bake time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1-pound block sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1-pound block colby jack cheese
  • 8-ounce block mozzarella cheese
  • 1-pound cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

Directions

Mac and cheese process
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish; set aside.
  2. Shred the blocks of cheese and mix in a large bowl; set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Boil the pasta according to the package directions, just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; set aside.
  5. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the seasoning mixture; stir well and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Add the flour and whisk into the butter mixture to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
  7. Whisk the evaporated milk into the roux a little at a time, then very slowly whisk in the heavy cream while whisking constantly until fully incorporated. Add the remaining seasoning and Dijon mustard; cook until thickened while whisking often.
  8. Add half the shredded cheese to the skillet one handful at a time, whisking well between each addition. Make sure the cheese is fully melted into the sauce before adding another handful of cheese.
  9. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the cheese sauce. Pour half of the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with half of the reserved shredded cheese.
  10. Spread the rest of the pasta mixture over the cheese layer in the casserole dish, then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  11. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
  12. Turn the oven to broil and cook the macaroni and cheese for an additional 2 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Yield: 12

Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese

mac and cheese on plate

This Ultimate Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect comfort food for cozy winter nights. With a creamy blend of cheddar, colby jack, and mozzarella, it’s a delicious pasta recipe that’s sure to please. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas or a hearty dish for Sunday dinner, this mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate choice for delicious comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1-pound block sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1-pound block colby jack cheese
  • 8-ounce block mozzarella cheese
  • 1-pound cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly butter a 9x13-inch casserole dish; set aside.
  2. Shred the blocks of cheese and mix in a large bowl; set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Boil the pasta according to the package directions, just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; set aside.
  5. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the seasoning mixture; stir well and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Add the flour and whisk into the butter mixture to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
  7. Whisk the evaporated milk into the roux a little at a time, then very slowly whisk in the heavy cream while whisking constantly until fully incorporated. Add the remaining seasoning and Dijon mustard; cook until thickened while whisking often.
  8. Add half the shredded cheese to the skillet one handful at a time, whisking well between each addition. Make sure the cheese is fully melted into the sauce before adding another handful of cheese.
  9. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the cheese sauce. Pour half of the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with half of the reserved shredded cheese.
  10. Spread the rest of the pasta mixture over the cheese layer in the casserole dish, then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  11. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
  12. Turn the oven to broil and cook the macaroni and cheese for an additional 2 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Notes

  • Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix up the cheeses. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use mild cheddar or swap in Gruyère for a more gourmet touch.
  • Pasta Options: While cavatappi works wonderfully for this dish, any short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini will work as well.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the macaroni and cheese in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Extra Creamy: For an even creamier texture, consider adding a bit more heavy cream or swapping some of it for sour cream.
  • Crunchy Topping: If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking and broil for an extra crunch.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give it a little kick!
  • Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    12

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 606Total Fat: 47gSaturated Fat: 28gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 837mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 27g

    Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

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