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When it comes to comfort food, nothing can outshine a hearty dish of macaroni. And if you thought a classic mac n cheese couldn't get any better, we have a surprise for you! Our Creamy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni recipe takes this beloved dish to a new level of deliciousness. Imagine crunchy, golden-brown crust on top with a river of creamy, bubbling cheese beneath that encases perfectly cooked macaroni. This mouthwatering mixture of cheddar, mozzarella, and creamy gouda promises a delightful indulgence in every bite.

Ingredients for Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni

If you're looking for a satisfying meal that satisfies your cravings, you can't go wrong with creamy three-cheese baked macaroni. Made with elbow macaroni or fusilli pasta, the recipe is easy to follow and requires ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.

To make creamy three-cheese baked macaroni, you'll need:

• Elbow macaroni or fusilli pasta
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• 2% milk
• Gruyere cheese
• Extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese

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Cheeses Selection

The cheeses in your dish can make or break the flavor of your creamy three-cheese baked macaroni. When choosing cheeses for this recipe, opting for types that melt smoothly while providing rich flavor is essential.

• Consider combining cheese varieties with varying flavors and textures for the best results. For instance, you could go for Gruyere Cheese's nutty flavor and creamy texture combined with Extra-sharp Cheddar Cheese's sharp taste.
• Shredding all cheeses before adding them to the sauce ensures smooth melting. Many aged cheeses like Gouda or cheddar can be substituted for Gruyere cheese.

Just remember that replacing or removing any of the essential ingredients affects the quality and flavor of the final product, making it a different dish altogether.

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Pasta and Condiments

Creamy three-cheese baked macaroni is a comfort food staple that's easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The dish starts with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni or fusilli pasta. Cooking the pasta al dente ensures the ideal texture for this recipe, where the pasta should be smooth and smooth. This recipe uses Gruyere cheese and extra-sharp cheddar cheese for added flavor. However, if you want to switch things up, use aged cheeses like Gouda or cheddar, which are equally delicious.

Moreover, shredded cheese works best for creamy cheese sauces, ensuring smooth melting and incorporating a healthy serving of cheese into every bite. Additional condiments like salt, pepper, and nutmeg add flavor, while panko bread crumbs provide a crispy topping for the perfect crunch.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

To make Creamy Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, but reduce cooking time by 2 minutes since the noodles will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter until bubbly over medium heat, then whisk in all-purpose flour to form a roux.
4. Slowly add warmed milk while whisking continuously until the mixture becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
5. Whisk in cheeses gradually until fully melted and gooey.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
7. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until coated evenly.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
9. Mix breadcrumbs with shredded Parmesan cheese in a small bowl before sprinkling over the pasta mixture's top to form the crust.
10. Bake uncovered for around 30 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.

The dish can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated. For those who prefer a creamier mac and cheese with less crispy topping, try Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese.

Customizable Toppings and Add-ons

Although this creamy baked macaroni tastes delicious as it is in its pure state, consider experimenting with customizable toppings. As seen previously with Panko breadcrumbs, consider using different crusts, like crushing seasoned crackers or mixing crushed potato chips with bread crumbs.

• Adding bacon bits could give that extra zing to the dish while adding lobster or crab meat can add a luxurious touch. Roasted cherry tomatoes and red peppers give the creamy macaroni an extra flavor. Lastly, adding green vegetables like roasted Dijon Broccoli complements the dish and provides a healthy balance.

The possibilities are endless; thus, personalizing your baked macaroni could help showcase your creativity, cooking prowess, and unique personality.

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Serving Suggestions for Baked Macaroni

There are numerous ways to enjoy this comfort food classic, so let's explore some options.

• First, when it comes to serving sizes, plan on a 3/4 cup per person as part of a larger meal or 1-2 cups if it's the main dish. So, if you're serving twelve people, you should prepare at least nine cups of cooked pasta and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
• Baked mac and cheese is always a hit if you’re looking for an excellent side dish for your next potluck dinner party or holiday gathering. It pairs well with roasted chicken, steak bites, smoked brisket, pork chops, and grilled or sautéed vegetables. Alternatively, pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for added nutrition and crunch.

For more ideas on what dishes to serve alongside your baked macaroni:

PRO TIP: You can experiment with additional toppings to make things more interesting. For example, try crumbled bacon bits or chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkled over mac and cheese before baking for added texture and flavor.

There are many ways to serve creamy three-cheese baked macaroni, and it all comes down to your creativity and culinary preferences. Anything that complements cheese will do the trick, so pair away!