Description

A rich, creamy baked mac and cheese featuring a homemade roux-based sauce with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, topped with crispy buttery breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon mustard powder
Pinch of paprika (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Grate all cheeses and set aside in separate bowls.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (5-7 minutes).
Remove pan from heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Whisk in eggs, salt, pepper, and mustard powder until the sauce is glossy.
Toss cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and paprika, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will finish cooking in the oven. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Always grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to ensure a creamy, non-soupy texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 650
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 20

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac, comfort food, 3 cheese, creamy mac, family dinner, holiday recipe