If you’re craving a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing comfort food, you’ve got to try this Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses Recipe. It’s everything you love about mac and cheese: rich, velvety, and perfectly cheesy with the delicious blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan melting together to coat tender elbow macaroni. This recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it a fantastic go-to for weeknights or whenever you want to indulge in that classic cozy dish. Get ready to fall in love with mac and cheese all over again with this creamy, cheesy sensation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the ultimate flavor, texture, and color, from the silky butter and flour that form the roux to the perfectly balanced spices and the trio of cheeses that bring everything together.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a rich foundation and helps thicken the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Combines with butter to make a smooth roux that thickens the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle, aromatic depth without overpowering the cheese.
- Ground mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the cheese flavor with a gentle tangy kick.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Imparts a smoky warmth and lovely color.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild savory touch that rounds out the spices.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and intensifies all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle heat that wakes up the dish.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Creates an ultra-creamy sauce base.
- Chicken broth (2 1/2 cups): Adds depth and richness to the sauce, plus extra flavor.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (2 1/2 cups): The classic pasta shape that holds the sauce perfectly.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts smooth and stringy for great texture.
- Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Offers bold, tangy cheesiness that defines the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty, savory finish and boosts umami.
- Hot sauce (optional): For those who like a little extra kick when serving.
How to Make Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Roux and Spices
Start by melting your butter in a large nonstick pot over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture is perfectly smooth and bubbly, about one minute. This roux is the secret to that luscious thick sauce. Next, add all your seasonings — garlic powder, ground mustard, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper — whisking constantly to release their full flavor. This step ensures your sauce will have a beautifully balanced and inviting aroma right from the start.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
Now, slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking steadily until the mixture thickens slightly, which usually takes a minute or two. Then, add the chicken broth gradually, still whisking, and bring everything to a boil. This combination of milk and broth is what gives your mac and cheese that silken texture without being too heavy or greasy. The bubbling action also helps meld all those beautiful spices into a cohesive sauce base.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce
Once your sauce is boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low so you see gentle bubbles—but don’t let it boil vigorously. This method cooks the pasta right in the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness. Stir often and scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking, cooking for 8 to 11 minutes until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm. Don’t worry if it looks a bit saucy now because the cheese will thicken it beautifully in the next step.
Step 4: Stir in the Three Cheeses
Remove the pot from the heat before adding the cheeses. Sprinkle in the mozzarella first and stir gently until melting. Follow that with the sharp cheddar, stirring again until it melts evenly. Finally, fold in the Parmesan to boost the flavor complexity and give that wonderful umami touch. This layered melting process keeps the cheese smooth and prevents clumping so your mac and cheese ends up creamy and irresistible. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Serve your freshly made Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses Recipe hot for the ultimate comfort experience. If you want an extra zing, a dash of hot sauce adds a playful note that contrasts deliciously with the cheese. This dish tastes incredible straight from the pot and is sure to become your new favorite go-to comfort meal.
How to Serve Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs or fresh parsley can add an exciting texture and a pop of color to your creamy mac and cheese. For a little extra indulgence, try topping with crumbled bacon or finely chopped green onions. These garnishes bring freshness and contrast that elevate this classic dish to new heights.
Side Dishes
While mac and cheese is a satisfying main on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can balance the richness perfectly. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans with garlic are my favorites—they add vibrant color and a healthy crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. You could also stuff it into bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes for a fun twist. These creative presentations make the dish feel extra special without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mac and cheese keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to restore its creamy texture, and it’ll be almost as good as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze this Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses Recipe for up to two months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing works best when you slightly undercook the pasta during the initial cooking.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking or separating, and enjoy your comforting dish all over again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan is perfect for the classic flavor profile, feel free to experiment with Gruyere, fontina, or Monterey Jack for unique twists. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well.
Is it necessary to cook the pasta in the sauce?
Cooking pasta directly in the sauce is what makes this recipe stand out. It allows the pasta to absorb all that intense cheesy flavor. However, you can cook the macaroni separately if you’re short on time—just mix with the cheese sauce at the end.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this dish fully vegetarian without compromising on flavor.
What’s the best kind of milk to use?
Whole milk is ideal for richness and creaminess, but you can use 2% milk if you want a slightly lighter version. Avoid skim milk as it lacks the fat needed for that luxuriously smooth sauce.
How do I fix if my sauce is too thick or thin?
If the sauce gets too thick, you can whisk in a little extra milk or broth to loosen it. If it’s too thin, simmer gently with the lid off and stir frequently to thicken it up before adding the cheese.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t go wrong with this Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of cozy, cheesy, and satisfying that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for family dinners, potlucks, or a comforting solo binge night, it never disappoints. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese with Three Cheeses Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy, comforting Mac and Cheese recipe combines a smooth, cheesy sauce with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Made on the stovetop, it features a blend of sharp Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and ground mustard for a subtle depth of flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, this classic dish is perfect for a quick family meal or satisfying side.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce Base
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2–1/2 cups chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 2–1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1–1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (see note 2)
Optional
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk Flour: In a large, nonstick pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 1 minute.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in garlic powder, ground mustard, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, whisking constantly to combine. Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking, then bring the sauce to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Once the sauce is boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer with occasional bubbling. Stir often, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking, and cook for 8–11 minutes until the pasta is just tender yet firm and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese first, stirring gently until melted. Then add the sharp Cheddar cheese and stir until smooth. Finally, mix in the Parmesan cheese, fully incorporating it into the cheesy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Mac and Cheese hot, optionally garnished with a dash of hot sauce for added spice.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheeses when possible to ensure better melting and flavor.
- Grated Parmesan adds a nutty depth; pre-grated store-bought Parmesan might not melt as well.
- If the macaroni and sauce appear too runny when cooking, don’t worry — the cheese will thicken the sauce further.
