--- title: "3-Cheese Mac and Cheese" id: "2486" type: "recipe" slug: "mac-and-cheese" published_at: "2026-07-02T00:46:20+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-02T00:47:23+00:00" url: "https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/" markdown_url: "https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese.md" excerpt: "3-Cheese Mac and Cheese" taxonomy_category: - "American" - "Baking" - "Casseroles" - "Dairy and Eggs" - "Dinner" - "Everyday Meals" - "Grains and Pasta" - "Main Dishes" - "Medium (30-60 min)" - "Side Dishes" - "Special Occasions" --- Table of Contents - [• Recipe Overview](#recipe-overview) - [• Recipe Information](#recipe-metadata) - [• Time & Quantities](#recipe-time-quantities) - [• Method & Ingredients](#recipe-method) - [- Ingredients](#ingredients-section) - [- Instructions](#instructions-section) - [• Storage & Make-Ahead](#recipe-storage) - [• Nutritional & Dietary Information](#recipe-nutrition) - [• Serving & Variations](#recipe-serving) - [• Video to Share!](#recipe-video) # 3-Cheese Mac and Cheese Share this recipe! [Set as Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=beestrot.com) ★★★★★(4.5/5 from 11 reviews) *[Click here](#image_policy) to learn about our image policy and how to submit your own!* America's ultimate comfort food hug in a bowl, elevated far beyond the basic boxed version. Our three-cheese blend creates liquid gold, while a proper béchamel base ensures that silky creaminess that coats every elbow. The golden panko-butter crust adds the textural contrast that makes each bite absolutely perfect. Difficulty:★★★☆☆(Medium) Budget: 💰💰💰 Seasonality: Year-round ### Recipe Information [#](#) **Categories:** [American](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/american/) [Baking](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/baking/) [Casseroles](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/casseroles/) [Dairy and Eggs](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/dairy-and-eggs/) [Dinner](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/dinner/) [Everyday Meals](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/everyday-meals/) [Grains and Pasta](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/grains-and-pasta/) [Main Dishes](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/main-dishes/) [Medium (30-60 min)](https://beestrot.com/focus/time-to-table/medium-30-60-min/) [Side Dishes](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/side-dishes/) [Special Occasions](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/special-occasions/) **Tags:** [Cheesy](https://beestrot.com/tags/cheesy/) [Creamy](https://beestrot.com/tags/creamy/) [Crowd-Pleaser](https://beestrot.com/tags/crowd-pleaser/) [Hearty](https://beestrot.com/tags/hearty/) [Homestyle](https://beestrot.com/tags/homestyle/) [Kid-Friendly](https://beestrot.com/tags/kid-friendly/) [Make-Ahead](https://beestrot.com/tags/make-ahead/) [Nostalgic](https://beestrot.com/tags/nostalgic/) [Rich](https://beestrot.com/tags/rich/) **Religious Considerations:** none **Recipe Source:** Traditional American recipe with Beestrot's three-cheese béchamel and panko crust enhancement Print this Recipe --- Ad section, thank you for your support! --- ### Time & Quantities [#](#) **Preparation:** 20 mins **Cooking:** 25 mins **Total:** 45 mins **Serves:** 8 **Preparation-to-Cooking Ratio:** 0.8Equal time spent on preparation and cooking. ### Method & Ingredients [#](#) **Required Equipment:** Large pot, medium saucepan, whisk, 9x13 inch baking dish, box grater [Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Saucepan w/Cover](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008CM69/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008CM69/?tag=testtag-20) [Walfos Silicone Whisk - Set of 3](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HMXNKL4/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HMXNKL4/?tag=testtag-20) [Cambom Rotary Grater - Cheese, vegetables, nuts, etc](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096LQZ99N/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096LQZ99N/?tag=testtag-20) [U-Taste Silicone Spatula Set](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S6KTP2G/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S6KTP2G/?tag=testtag-20) [Powerful Vacuum Sealer Machine](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XJW5LHG/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XJW5LHG/?tag=testtag-20) [Silicone Rolling Pin Non Stick Surface](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSSWSXK/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSSWSXK/?tag=testtag-20) **Cooking Method:** Baking #### Ingredients - 1 lb elbow macaroni - 4 tablespoons butter (divided) - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 1/2 cups whole milk - 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (grated) - 4 oz Gruyère cheese (grated) - 2 oz cream cheese - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and white pepper to taste - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons butter (melted) - Paprika for dusting #### Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. 2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until just shy of al dente - it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside. 3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux - this eliminates any raw flour taste. 4. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. 5. Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then add Dijon, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. 6. Gradually add grated cheddar and Gruyère, whisking until melted and smooth - this three-cheese blend is pure magic! 7. Fold in cooked macaroni until every piece is coated in that gorgeous cheese sauce. 8. Transfer to prepared baking dish. 9. In a small bowl, mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. Dust with paprika for color. 10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top - resist the urge to dig in immediately, let it set for 5 minutes! ### Storage & Make-Ahead [#](#) **Storage Advice:** Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed. **Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips:** Freezes well for up to 2 months before baking. Thaw overnight, then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time. --- Ad section, thank you for your support! --- ### Nutritional & Dietary Information [#](#) **Nutritional Information:** - **Calories:** 425 - **Protein:** 18g - **Fat:** 22g (Saturated: 14g) - **Carbohydrates:** 42g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g) - **Vitamin A:** 15% DV - **Vitamin C:** 2% DV - **Calcium:** 35% DV - **Iron:** 8% DV **Allergen Information:** Contains gluten (pasta, flour), dairy (milk, cheese, butter) **Dietary Information:** Not suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Contains high amounts of dairy. ### Serving & Variations [#](#) **Serving Suggestions:** Serve hot in generous portions. Garnish with chopped chives or crispy bacon bits. Perfect alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. **Wine or Drink Pairing:** Pair with light red wines like Pinot Noir from Oregon or crisp white wines like Chardonnay from California. Beer works wonderfully - try wheat beers or light lagers. **Possible Recipe Variations:** Add lobster or crab for luxury, bacon or ham for smokiness, or jalapeños for heat. Try different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or fontina for variety. **Additional Notes:** The roux-based béchamel prevents the cheese from breaking and creates that silky texture. Don't skip this step for inferior shortcuts! Share this recipe! [Set as Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=beestrot.com) Disclosure: This recipe may contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you. This applies to featured Amazon products or any other Beestrot's partners. Thank you for your support! Jean Louis. ## 0 thoughts on “3-Cheese Mac and Cheese” 1. Whitney[June 22, 2026 at 5:38 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-554) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Can’t wait to try this – my family loves mac and cheese and this looks like the real deal! 2. Carl M.[June 5, 2026 at 10:52 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-553) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) Bookmarked! 3. Kristen[May 18, 2026 at 3:15 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-552) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ This looks amazing! Saving for movie night. 4. Dennis[April 30, 2026 at 1:42 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-551) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Good stuff! 5. Jill T.[April 14, 2026 at 8:08 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-550) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Finally a homemade mac and cheese that’s actually creamy! No more grainy sauce. Thank you! 6. Shawn[March 30, 2026 at 11:28 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-549) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Solid recipe. Used a mix of cheddar and gruyère for extra depth. The crispy top is essential! 7. Patricia[March 15, 2026 at 5:55 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-548) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Me encantó! Cremoso y delicioso. Lo hice para una cena familiar y no quedó nada. Perfecta receta! 8. Xavier[February 28, 2026 at 2:35 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-547) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Classic comfort food done right. Added some bacon bits on top – highly recommend! 9. Molly R.[February 12, 2026 at 7:18 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-546) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Better than the boxed stuff by a mile. The trick is using good quality cheddar. My husband asked me to make this every week now. 10. Brandon[January 25, 2026 at 12:45 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-545) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ So cheesy! 🧀 11. Lily[January 8, 2026 at 6:22 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#comment-544) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Ultimate comfort food! Made this for my kids and they devoured it. The cheese sauce was perfectly creamy. Will make again and again! ## Leave a Reply [Cancel reply](/recipe/mac-and-cheese/#respond) You must be [logged in](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fmac-and-cheese%2F) to post a comment. ### Encore! 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