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The Best Three Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese5

The Best Three Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese

Libby with Lemony Thyme
If you want to deliver comfort, bring them The Best Three Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese. It's super cheesy and ultra creamy, with a little extra love.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Entree, Side Dish
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

For the Three Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese

  • 1 pound dried Cavatappi or Cellentani pasta
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated, divided
  • 4 ounces gruyere cheese freshly grated
  • 16 ounces White Queso Dip or sub small cubed white American cheese

For the Crumb Topping

  • 4 Tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

For the Three Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese

  • Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the white sauce by melting butter in a medium heavy bottom pan over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Mixture should be smooth and bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk. Continue whisking for another minute until fully incorporated and smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Continue cooking until mixture has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
  • Reduce heat to low and begin adding grated cheeses and queso, reserving 1/2 cup grated cheddar for assembly. Whisk to combine after each addition, until all cheese is melted and smooth. Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta and stir well to fully combine.
  • Pour half of macaroni mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese. Top with remaining macaroni.

For the Crumb Topping

  • Melt butter in microwave or in small pan on stovetop. Remove from heat. Stir in panko and parmesan and mix to combine. Sprinkle crumb topping over mac 'n' cheese. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

Recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator and bake at 350° F. for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Remove baking sheet from refrigerator at least 30 minutes prior to baking for more even baking/heating.