Melty Three-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
A creamy and indulgent baked three-cheese mac & cheese featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheeses, combined with a rich roux-based sauce and tender elbow macaroni for the ultimate comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar (shredded)
- 2 cups Colby Jack (shredded)
- 2 cups mozzarella (shredded)
- keep 1.5 cups total cheese aside for topping
Roux + Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- to taste salt & pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, cook pasta until just al dente, rinse with cold water to avoid overcooking, then drain and set aside. (watch video below!)
- Make the Roux: In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook 2 minutes.
- Build the Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk and cream, simmer until slightly thickened, then season with all our spices & add in the soy sauce.
- Add the Cheese: Turn heat to low and stir in cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Add pasta to the cheese sauce, stir to coat, and transfer to a buttered baking dish. Salt & pepper to taste.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle reserved cheese on top, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden, then rest 10 minutes before serving. (watch video below!)
Notes
- Let the mac & cheese rest 10 minutes after baking before serving for best texture.
Keywords: three cheese mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheese pasta casserole
