Name: Macaroni and Three Cheeses
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 400 g Elbow macaroni; 3 tbsp Unsalted butter; 3 tbsp All-purpose flour; 600 ml Whole milk (warm); 150 g Sharp Cheddar cheese (grated); 100 g Gruyère or Swiss cheese (grated); 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Nutmeg — a pinch (optional); Salt — to taste; Black pepper — to taste; Breadcrumbs — optional, for topping

CategoryAmerican, PastaDifficultyBeginner

This Macaroni and Three Cheeses Recipe is a creamy, comforting pasta dish enriched with Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, finished with a golden crust.

Macaroni and Three Cheeses Recipe baked with golden crust and parsley in a white ceramic dish

Yields4 Servings

Prep Time10 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time40 mins

400 g Elbow macaroni

3 tbsp Unsalted butter

3 tbsp All-purpose flour

600 ml Whole milk (warm)

150 g Sharp Cheddar cheese (grated)

100 g Gruyère or Swiss cheese (grated)

50 g Parmesan cheese (grated)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Nutmeg — a pinch (optional)

Salt — to taste

Black pepper — to taste

Breadcrumbs — optional, for topping

Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Macaroni and Three Cheeses Recipe step 1 – elbow pasta boiling in salted water

Make a roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.

Butter and flour being whisked into a golden roux in a saucepan

Create the béchamel: Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly (5–7 minutes).

Warm milk being whisked into roux to create a creamy béchamel sauce

Add cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and all three cheeses (reserve a little Parmesan). Season with salt and pepper. Return to low heat and stir until smooth. Mix until smooth to complete your Macaroni and Three Cheeses Recipe.

Adding cheese to Macaroni and Three Cheeses Recipe sauce with Cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan

Combine: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.

Macaroni and cheese in a baking dish topped with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, just out of the oven

(Optional) Baked finish: Transfer to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with reserved Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Bake at 180 °C (350 °F) for 15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Macaroni and Three Cheeses Recipe in a baking dish topped with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, baked until crispy

Serve your Macaroni and Three Cheeses hot, straight from the oven, with a fresh side salad for balance. It pairs especially well with a Classic Caesar Salad for a complete comfort meal. This Macaroni and Three Cheeses Recipe is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

This creamy pasta bake is a timeless comfort food that can be customized with your favorite cheeses. Try adding a touch of garlic, smoked paprika, or even a handful of spinach for a twist. It’s a versatile dish that works for quick weeknight dinners or festive family gatherings.

More to explore: For classic techniques and tips on creamy pasta and cheese sauces, see Food Network.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings

Serving size

320

Amount per serving
Calories540

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g34%
Total Carbohydrate 52g19%
Protein 24g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Ingredients