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–+ servings
mac and cheese with a fork.

Mac and Cheese Recipe

This baked three-cheese mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, and smooth cream cheese for a rich, velvety sauce. The pasta is coated in this luscious blend, then finished in the oven with a golden, buttery panko topping that adds the perfect crunch. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish, yet versatile enough to shine as a side for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Different cheese options are suggested.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 778 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 1  lb curly pasta such as cavatappi or rotini 16 oz
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter 5 ½ tablespoons
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3  cups milk whole milk for best results
  • 1 ½   teaspoons of salt
  • 1  teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½  teaspoon ground dry mustard
  • ½  teaspoon black pepper
  • 1  lb sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 7  oz gouda cheese shredded
  • 4  ounces cream cheese cut into chunks

For the Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2   tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375℉ (191℃) , grease a 9x13 dish and set it aside.
  • Cook the pasta noodles by bringing salted water to a boil and cook until al dente (times will vary and be found on the box or package). Drain and set aside.
  • Next, make the roux. Start by melting the butter in a medium/large pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Gradually whisk in milk, adding a little at a time (approximately ½-1 cup at a time). Every time a portion of milk is added, whisk until smooth, whisking out any lumps, until all three cups are incorporated into the flour mixture.
  • Add the seasonings and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Lower the heat and add the cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and smooth.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Place the noodles and sauce in a greased 9x13 dish.
  • Mix panko crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the top of the noodles.
  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 778kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 32gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 27gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 1149mgPotassium: 387mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1371IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 732mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cheddar cheese, cream cheese, gouda, macaroni, pasta
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