Description
Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring a blend of mozzarella, Colby jack, and cheddar cheeses, combined with tender cavatappi pasta and a savory, spiced cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a delicious choice for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 lb. mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 lb. Colby jack cheese, grated
- 8 oz. cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cheese and Spices: Mix mozzarella, Colby jack, and cheddar cheeses, setting aside half. Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, setting aside half.
- Make the Roux: Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add flour and half the spice blend, whisk for 1-2 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in evaporated milk, then heavy cream, remaining spice blend, and Dijon mustard. Stir in half of the cheese mixture until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Layer pasta and reserved cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
- Customize with cooked bacon or vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 737mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni