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Best Three Cheese Mac N Cheese

Best Three Cheese Mac N Cheese
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Indulge in a rich and creamy Best Three Cheese Mac N Cheese combining cheddar, gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses with tender elbow macaroni in a smooth velvety sauce. This comforting and versatile dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side, delivering the ultimate cheesy experience with an optional golden breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder

Optional Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling 8 ounces of elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm for later use.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. Slowly add 3 cups of milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy, smooth base.
  3. Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually stir in 1 cup each of shredded cheddar, gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses. Allow each cheese to melt fully into the sauce, creating an ultra-smooth and velvety texture.
  4. Season the Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine and enhance the depth of cheesy flavor.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated with the luscious cheese blend for maximum flavor.
  6. Optional Baking: For a golden, crunchy topping, transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, and place under the broiler until the topping is bubbly and browned, about 3–5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Avoid pre-shredded cheese which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect smooth melting.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed or baked.
  • Slowly Add Milk: Pour milk gradually while whisking to prevent lumps forming in the sauce.
  • Low and Slow Melting: Melt the cheese on low heat to maintain creaminess and avoid graininess.
  • Experiment with Cheese Ratios: Adjust the amounts of cheddar, gruyère, and mozzarella to suit your taste for sharpness and creaminess.
  • Double the Sauce: For extra creamy mac and cheese, increase cheese sauce quantities rather than just pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: three cheese mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheddar gruyere mozzarella mac, comfort food, easy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/best-three-cheese-mac-n-cheese/