Three-Cheese Mac & Cheese
A creamy and comforting three-cheese mac and cheese, made with sharp cheddar, gruyere, and goat cheese, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup creamy goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Roux
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and bubbly.
Add the Milk
- Gradually pour in the 4 cups of whole milk, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the Cheeses
- Once the sauce is thick and creamy, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, gruyere, and crumbled goat cheese until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing until all the pasta is well coated with the luscious cheese mixture.
Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy macaroni into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
Bake
- Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with dried parsley for added color if desired.
Notes
Use high-quality cheese for a richer flavor and consider adding different cheese types for variation. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.