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Melty Three-Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.9 from 61 reviews

This Melty Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, comforting classic baked pasta dish combining sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheeses. The sauce is made with a rich roux, creamy milk and cream, and a hint of soy sauce and garlic powder for depth of flavor. Topped with extra cheese, it’s baked until golden and bubbly for the perfect cheesy crust.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi

Cheese mix

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 2 cups Colby Jack, shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
  • 1.5 cups total cheese reserved for topping

Roux + sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or cavatappi and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and turns a light golden color, stirring constantly.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add flavorings and cheese: Stir in the soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove the sauce from heat and gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella, reserving 1.5 cups for topping. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine thoroughly.
  6. Assemble and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved 1.5 cups of mixed shredded cheese evenly on top.
  7. Bake until bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is melted, golden, and bubbly.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

  • You can substitute any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like shells or rotini.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
  • Using whole milk and heavy cream provides the creamiest texture.
  • The soy sauce adds a subtle umami flavor without making the dish taste soy-based.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/melty-three-cheese-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/