Creamy Three-Cheese Mac & Cheese with a Golden Broil Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Mac & Cheese is a comforting classic that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe blends multiple cheeses with a rich cream sauce for an irresistibly smooth and cheesy dish. Whether for family dinners or gatherings, it’s sure to please all ages.

Ingredients

• 1.5 boxes (24 oz) macaroni noodles (cavatappi noodles work great too)
• 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 16 oz Colby jack cheese, freshly grated
• 8 oz Gouda cheese, freshly grated
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 6 cups heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 4 oz cream cheese (optional)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grate all the cheeses using a large shredder and set aside. Keep any small cheese chunks that are difficult to grate to add later.
2. Step 2: Cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions, enhancing the boiling water with chicken bouillon for extra flavor.
3. Step 3: In a large sauce pot, melt the butter over low heat. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking to combine smoothly.
4. Step 4: Gradually add about half of the shredded cheeses to the cream mixture, stirring well. Stir in the cream cheese last and let it melt while simmering gently on low heat. Season with salt, onion powder, ground mustard, white pepper, and adobo. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Step 5: Mix the cooked macaroni noodles with the cheese sauce, folding in the reserved small cheese chunks. Aim for a creamy and slightly wet consistency that makes a satisfying sound when stirred.
6. Step 6: Transfer half of the macaroni mixture to a 13×9 baking dish. Spread a light coating of cheese sauce on top, then sprinkle some shredded cheese. Add the remaining noodles and finish by topping generously with shredded cheese, preferably cheddar or Colby jack if extra is needed.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is fully melted, about 20-25 minutes.
8. Step 8: For a golden brown crust, broil the mac & cheese for 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which often contains anti-caking agents.
• Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half if you prefer a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Mix in cooked bacon or caramelized onions for added texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover mac & cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with macaroni, cavatappi, shells, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

Is it necessary to broil at the end?

Broiling adds a delicious golden brown crust on top, but if you prefer a softer top, you can skip this step.

Creamy Three-Cheese Mac & Cheese with a Golden Broil Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 117 reviews

This Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe features a rich blend of five cheeses and a smooth heavy cream sauce, layered with perfectly cooked macaroni noodles for an indulgent comfort food experience. Enhanced with seasoning and finished baked to golden perfection, it’s a classic dish elevated with a mix of sharp cheddar, Colby jack, gouda, mozzarella, and cream cheese, creating a luscious, creamy texture and flavorful bite.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses

• 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 16 oz Colby jack cheese, freshly grated
• 8 oz Gouda, freshly grated
• 8 oz Mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
• 4 oz cream cheese (optional)

Pasta

• 1.5 box (24 oz) macaroni noodles (cavatappi can be used as an alternative)

Dairy & Fats

• 6 cups heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons salted butter

Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (used in cooking pasta water)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning

Instructions

1. Grate the Cheeses: Use a large shredder to grate all the cheeses and set them aside. Save any small cheese chunks that are too small to grate for later mixing.
2. Cook the Macaroni: Prepare the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Add chicken bouillon to the boiling water to boost the flavor of the pasta.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large sauce pot, melt the salted butter over low heat, then gradually whisk in the heavy cream to create a smooth base.
4. Melt the Cheese into the Sauce: Add about half of the shredded cheeses into the cream mixture, stirring until they are fully melted and incorporated. Add the cream cheese last, allowing it to melt slowly on low heat. Season the sauce with salt, onion powder, ground mustard, white pepper, and adobo. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni noodles with the cheese sauce, adding the small reserved cheese chunks. Aim for a creamy, wet mixture that makes a satisfying mixing sound, ensuring the noodles are well coated.
6. Layer the Dish: Transfer half of the mac and cheese mixture into a 13×9 inch baking dish. Spread a light layer of cheese sauce and sprinkle on some shredded cheese from the remaining half. Add the rest of the noodles on top, then cover with a generous layer of shredded cheese. If needed, add extra cheddar or Colby jack cheese on the top layer for a more pronounced cheesiness.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is heated through, approximately 25-30 minutes.
8. Broil for Finish: Turn on the broiler and broil the mac and cheese for 2 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

• Using a mix of cheeses provides a depth of flavor and creaminess. Feel free to substitute with similar cheeses if desired.
• Adding chicken bouillon to the pasta water enhances the fundamental flavor of the macaroni.
• If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, reduce the heavy cream slightly or simmer the sauce longer to thicken before combining with noodles.
• Keep a close eye on the dish while broiling to avoid burning the top.
• Cavatappi noodles are a great alternative that hold the sauce well due to their spiral shape.

Keywords: creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, five cheese recipe, comfort food, macaroni and cheese casserole