Description

This is not your average mac and cheese. This is the ultimate, ultra-creamy, flavor-packed Three Cheese Macaroni and Cheese that’ll ruin you for the boxed stuff forever. We’re talking perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made from not one, not two, but THREE glorious cheeses. It’s cozy, it’s decadent, and it’s basically a big warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding the fam, making a killer side dish, or just craving comfort food on a random Tuesday, this mac and cheese delivers. And yes, it reheats like a dream—if you have any leftovers, which… good luck with that.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

12 oz elbow macaroni (or shells, or cavatappi—choose your pasta adventure)
Salt for pasta water

For the Cheese Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream (warm)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (trust me)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional but amazing)
Salt + pepper to taste

The Three Cheeses:

1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar
1 cup Gruyère (or Swiss)
3/4 cup Parmesan

For Topping (Optional but Recommended):

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp butter, melted
Extra parmesan for good measure

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook macaroni until al dente (follow the package, but shave off a minute). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan or deep skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes (you’re making a roux, not toast).

Step 3: Sauce It Up

Slowly pour in warm milk and cream, whisking like you mean it to avoid lumps.
Stir in Dijon, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 4–5 minutes until thick and silky.

Step 4: Cheese Party

Lower the heat to low. Add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan—one handful at a time—stirring until melted and luscious.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Salt? Pepper? More cheese? Go for it.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until every noodle is swimming in cheesy goodness.
At this point you can serve it as is (ultra-creamy stovetop version) OR…

Step 6: Optional Baked Version

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and extra parm. Sprinkle over the top.
Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 7: Serve and Bask in Glory

Spoon it up, top with more parm if you’re feeling bold, and dig in.

Notes

Serve it solo with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for a grown-up twist.
Pair with BBQ, roasted chicken, or burgers for an epic meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~520 kcal
Fat: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Protein: ~20g