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Three Cheese Baked Macaroni: Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food

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Three Cheese Baked Macaroni is a rich oven-baked pasta dish made with tender noodles, creamy homemade cheese sauce, cheddar, Gruyere, Brie, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound macaroni, shells, or cavatappi pasta
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Brie cheese, rind removed and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Boil salted water and cook pasta until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and reserve.
  4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  6. Add mustard powder, cayenne, nutmeg, pepper, and salt.
  7. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until slightly thickened.
  8. Reduce heat to low and stir in Brie until melted.
  9. Add Gruyere and cheddar gradually, stirring until sauce is smooth.
  10. Fold pasta into the cheese sauce until coated.
  11. Transfer to baking dish if needed and top evenly with breadcrumbs.
  12. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
  13. Rest 5 to 10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Freshly shred cheese for the smoothest sauce.
  • Do not overcook pasta before baking.
  • Whole milk gives the creamiest texture.
  • Let baked macaroni rest before serving.
  • Add bacon, chicken, or ham for extra protein.
  • Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 4 days.
  • Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/quick-three-cheese-baked-macaroni/