Description
A quick, creamy, and comforting baked mac and cheese made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality texture in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water for 1 minute less than package directions (al dente). Drain and set aside; do not rinse.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until it resembles wet sand.
- Slowly whisk in the whole milk. Heat in 30-second bursts (microwave) or over medium-low heat (stovetop), whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove sauce from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Stir until completely melted and glossy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the drained pasta and cheese sauce in a 9×9 inch baking dish. Stir to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
Shred your own cheese to ensure smooth melting and avoid grainy texture. Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to help the sauce set. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac, three cheese mac, quick dinner, comfort food, weeknight meals, easy recipe, cheesy pasta