Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe – Easy 3 Cheese Baked Mac n Cheese
Introduction:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth, happiness, and memories to our dining tables. It’s always a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or any gathering where food is involved. If you’re looking for the best homemade mac and cheese recipe that’s both easy and delicious, look no further. This 3 cheese baked mac n cheese is bound to become your new go-to dish!
Ingredients:
– 12 oz elbow macaroni
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
– 4 oz Gruyere cheese, grated
– 4 oz fontina cheese, grated
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers (optional)
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard-sized baking dish.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux.
4. Gradually add milk to the roux while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Increase the heat slightly and continue to cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the dry mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Add the grated cheddar, Gruyere, and fontina cheeses and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in the pot used to cook the macaroni. Stir well to make sure the pasta is fully coated with sauce.
8. Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top for added crunchy texture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and edges start to turn golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious homemade 3 cheese baked mac n cheese!
Conclusion:
This easy 3 cheese baked mac n cheese recipe will quickly become a favorite among your family members and friends, thanks to its irresistibly creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and fontina cheeses adds a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking you for seconds – or even thirds! Happy cooking!