Ultimate Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
Indulge in the comforting goodness of our Ultimate Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni. This exquisite dish combines the richness of sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, and nutty Parmesan, enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce that clings to perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Unlike conventional recipes, we elevate the pasta cooking method to ensure each bite is a delightful melding of flavors and textures. Topped with a crisp, golden panko breadcrumb crust, this dish transitions beautifully from oven to table, making it a standout at family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Plus, with a delightful combination of gooey cheese and a crunchy topping, this macaroni and cheese is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
583
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (for greasing the dish)
elbow macaroni
1 lb (uncooked)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (drizzled over cooked pasta)
whole milk
3 1/2 cups (warmed)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (for roux)
ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (grated)
monterey jack cheese
2 cups (grated)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to broil and prepare a 3-quart casserole dish by generously greasing it with 1 tablespoon of butter.
2
In a large stock pot, bring 6 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 tablespoons of salt, give it a quick stir, and pour in the elbow macaroni.
3
Cook the pasta until tender and just beyond al dente, approximately 10 to 13 minutes, ensuring it’s slightly softer than the package directions recommend.
4
Once cooked, drain the macaroni and transfer it into a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the pasta and toss to coat it evenly. Set aside to cool slightly.
5
For the cheese sauce, warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
6
In a separate medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk continuously to prevent browning.
7
Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter while whisking, and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture starts to bubble but does not brown.
8
Gradually whisk in the warmed milk until fully incorporated and smooth, then bring this mixture to a boil while whisking continuously.
9
Lower the heat and season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper, continuing to whisk until it thickens to the consistency of heavy cream, about 2 minutes.
10
Remove from heat and promptly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, all of the Monterey Jack, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
11
Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, using a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
12
Transfer the macaroni and cheese into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
13
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, microwaving for about 20 seconds.
14
Add the panko breadcrumbs, as well as the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, to the melted butter and toss thoroughly to combine.
15
Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese layer.
16
Place the casserole on the middle rack of the oven and broil for 6-8 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
17
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the decadent flavors!
Nutrition Information
34g
Fat
57g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni?
It is a rich, comforting baked pasta dish featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses in a velvety sauce, finished with a crispy panko topping.
What three cheeses are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this macaroni?
There are 583 calories per serving.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of elbow macaroni.
How long should the elbow macaroni be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked for 10 to 13 minutes until it is tender and just beyond al dente.
Why should the pasta be cooked beyond al dente?
Cooking the pasta slightly softer than usual ensures a delightful melding of flavors and textures once it is baked in the sauce.
What size casserole dish is required for this recipe?
A 3-quart casserole dish is recommended.
How much butter is needed to grease the casserole dish?
You should use 1 tablespoon of butter to generously grease the dish.
How much salt should be added to the pasta water?
Add 2 tablespoons of salt to 6 quarts of boiling water for the macaroni.
Why is olive oil used in this macaroni recipe?
One tablespoon of olive oil is drizzled over the cooked and drained pasta to coat it evenly while it cools.
How do I prepare the milk for the cheese sauce?
Warm 3 1/2 cups of whole milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
How do I make the roux for the cheese sauce?
Melt 1/2 cup of butter and whisk in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, cooking for 2 minutes until it bubbles without browning.
What is the secret to a smooth cheese sauce in this recipe?
Gradually whisk the warmed milk into the butter and flour mixture until fully incorporated and smooth before bringing it to a boil.
What consistency should the sauce reach before adding cheese?
The sauce should be whisked until it thickens to the consistency of heavy cream, which takes about 2 minutes.
How much cheddar cheese goes into the sauce?
1 1/2 cups of the grated sharp cheddar cheese are mixed into the sauce, while the remaining 1/2 cup is saved for the topping.
Is all the Monterey Jack cheese added to the sauce?
Yes, all 2 cups of the grated Monterey Jack cheese are whisked into the sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese is used in the sauce versus the topping?
1/2 cup of Parmesan is whisked into the sauce, and the other 1/2 cup is used for the breadcrumb topping.
What makes up the crunchy topping?
The topping consists of 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
How do I prepare the panko topping?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave, then toss it with the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining cheeses until thoroughly combined.
What oven setting is used to finish the dish?
The oven should be set to broil to finish the macaroni.
How long should the macaroni be broiled?
Broil the dish on the middle rack for 6 to 8 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
What are the total grams of fat in this dish?
This dish contains 34g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 24g of protein.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 57g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
Should the butter used for the roux be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using unsalted butter.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
A fresh salad is recommended to serve alongside the macaroni for a complete meal.
How should the cheese be prepared for this recipe?
The cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses should all be grated before starting the sauce.
Does the recipe include any sugar or fiber?
According to the provided data, the sugar and fiber content is not specified.
How long should I let the dish cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to let the flavors settle and the sauce thicken slightly.