Cozy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy and comforting, this three-cheese baked macaroni delivers pure culinary magic straight from your kitchen.

Pasta lovers will swoon over the rich, melted blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan.

Each bite promises a luxurious explosion of flavor that dances across your palate.

Crispy golden breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to the smooth, velvety texture underneath.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this irresistible comfort food classic.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this crowd-pleasing dish comes together.

Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni FAQs You’ll Appreciate

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente before mixing with the cheese and egg mixture.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the macaroni and cheese up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni Feels Like True Comfort

• Conquer Comfort Food: A cheesy, creamy mac and cheese recipe that delivers ultimate satisfaction with minimal cooking skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Guaranteed to win over both kids and adults with its rich, gooey cheese blend and satisfying crunch from breadcrumb topping.
• Quick Family Feast: Super simple one-dish meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adaptable recipe where home cooks can swap cheeses or add mix-ins like bacon, vegetables, or herbs to personalize the dish.

What You’ll Need For Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce and creating a comforting texture.

• Whole Milk, Eggs: These ingredients create a rich, custard-like base that binds the macaroni together.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of cheeses that provides a complex, melty, and flavorful cheese experience with different melting properties and taste profiles.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the macaroni.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden topping that adds textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

Steps To Make Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni That’s Extra Cheesy

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add macaroni and cook until tender, around 8-10 minutes. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Collection

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Liquid

Transfer cooked macaroni to baking dish. Pour egg and milk mixture over pasta, gently tossing to coat evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese Layers

Sprinkle grated cheddar and mozzarella across macaroni. Carefully fold to distribute cheese throughout pasta.

Step 7: Create Crispy Topping

Spread parmesan cheese in an even layer for a golden, crispy crust.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Finish

Scatter breadcrumbs over cheese layer to provide delightful texture.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Place in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top with bubbling, melted cheese.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven. Allow macaroni to rest 5-10 minutes so cheese sets and flavors meld. Serve and enjoy!

Tips For That Perfect Cheesy Pull Every Time

• Boost Pasta Texture: Use al dente macaroni to prevent mushy results when baking, ensuring a perfect chewy bite in every spoonful.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Grate cheeses separately and layer strategically to create even distribution and maximize melting potential throughout the dish.
• Prevent Dryness: Mix egg and milk thoroughly before adding to pasta to maintain moisture and create a creamy, rich sauce that binds everything together.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly across the surface for a delightful golden-brown crust that adds extra crunch and texture to the mac and cheese.
• Resting Magic: Allow the dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps cheese set and flavors blend, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious final presentation.

Tasty Mixes For Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Swap wheat-based ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives.
• Veggie Power Mac: Add roasted broccoli, diced bell peppers, or spinach to boost nutritional value. Mix colorful vegetables into the cheese mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets. Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to maintain a crispy topping while reducing carbohydrates.
• Protein-Packed Option: Incorporate cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham into the mac and cheese. Increase protein content by mixing in Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with the egg mixture.

What To Serve With Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine complements the creamy cheese and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich mac and cheese texture.
• Match Tangy Craft Beer: Hoppy IPA or amber ale cuts through the richness, offering a zesty palate cleanser that enhances the dish's complex cheese flavors.
• Serve Fresh Green Salad: Crisp arugula or mixed greens with light vinaigrette creates a bright, acidic balance against the heavy, creamy pasta, adding nutritional variety.
• Create Roasted Vegetable Side: Herb-seasoned roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus bring earthy undertones that perfectly complement the mac and cheese's cheesy profile.

How To Store Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni The Smart Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Warm refrigerated mac and cheese in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top layer.

Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this irresistible three-cheese baked macaroni, a creamy masterpiece that elevates classic pasta to gourmet heights. Melted cheddar, parmesan, and gruyère create a rich, indulgent experience you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 450 g (1 lb) elbow macaroni

Cheeses:

• 200 g (7 oz) cheddar cheese
• 150 g (5.3 oz) mozzarella cheese
• 100 g (3.5 oz) parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients:

• 60 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk
• 2 eggs
• 15 g (1 tbsp) butter
• 5 g (1 tsp) salt
• 2 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper
• 3 g (1 tsp) garlic powder
• 15 g (1/4 cup) breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth.
4. Grate the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, keeping them separately to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.
5. Transfer the cooked macaroni to the prepared baking dish, then pour the egg and milk mixture over the pasta, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
6. Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly across the macaroni, carefully folding to distribute the cheese throughout the pasta.
7. Top the mixture with the grated parmesan cheese, creating a uniform layer that will develop a golden, crispy crust during baking.
8. Scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese layer, which will provide a delightful crunchy texture to the creamy pasta.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
10. Remove from the oven and let the macaroni rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

• Customize cheese combinations by swapping in different varieties like gruyère, gouda, or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Enhance protein content by mixing in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham before baking for a heartier meal.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free elbow macaroni and replacing breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Reduce calories by substituting whole milk with low-fat milk or using a blend of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg