3 Cheese Mac and Cheese
Silky, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, this 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese features tender noodles coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy stovetop comfort food perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners at home.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni or other small-shaped pasta
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk preferably whole or 2%
- ¾ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup grated white cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a pot of heavily salted water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, covering it to keep warm.
- Return the pot to the stove. Add the butter and heat over medium until melted. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, then cook for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and nutty.
- Whisk in the milk, cheddar, white cheddar, parmesan, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 3-4 minutes, whisking frequently, until the mixture bubbles and has thickened.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until coated, season to taste with salt, and enjoy hot!
Notes
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Freshly grated cheese melts best and creates a smoother, creamier cheese sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
- Boost the protein by using Brami pasta and/or stirring ½–1 cup blended cottage cheese into the sauce.
- Salt the pasta water generously—this seasons the pasta from the inside out.
- Cook the roux until lightly golden and nutty-smelling to build deeper, more dimensional flavor.
- Make it a complete meal by stirring in flaked tuna, roasted or rotisserie chicken, cooked ground beef, or vegetables like steamed broccoli, peas, sautéed spinach, or frozen mixed veggies.
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge until thawed.
- Reheating: Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy. Warm in the microwave in short intervals, stirring and adding a splash of milk as needed, or cover and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 462kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 18gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 579mgPotassium: 244mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 739IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 382mgIron: 1mg
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