Enjoy a deliciously creamy macaroni bake layered with a trio of cheeses: cheddar, Red Leicester, and mozzarella. The sauce is enriched with butter, flour, onion powder, paprika, garlic, and Dijon mustard for extra depth of flavor. Tender pasta is folded into the velvety sauce, then topped generously with the remaining cheeses before baking. Finish under the grill for a beautifully crisp, golden topping with a bubbling, melty center. Each bite delivers ultimate comfort, balancing bold spices and the smoothness of melted cheese. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish shines in every cheesy forkful.
This mac and cheese is the definition of comfort food and always steals the show at family gatherings. The ultra creamy sauce combines cheddar Red Leicester and mozzarella for a gooey bake that never lasts long in my house. The gently roasted spices take the flavor from nostalgic to restaurant quality.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses pantry staples you probably already have
- Three cheese blend for creamy pull-apart pasta
- Easy to prep ahead for weeknights or parties
- The paprika and onion powder roast into the cheese creating a craveable flavor that makes this truly satisfying
I first whipped this up for a birthday potluck and there were no leftovers which always tells me a recipe is a keeper
Ingredients
- Dried macaroni: Choose traditional elbow macaroni for best texture and choose a quality brand for al dente results
- Butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the roux use a good unsalted butter for best flavor
- Flour: Thickens the sauce choose all-purpose for a foolproof roux
- Milk: The base of your cheese sauce choose whole milk for the creamiest texture
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy select extra mature for a deeper bite
- Red Leicester cheese: Adds nutty warmth and orange color select a block and grate yourself for better melt
- Mozzarella cheese: Gets you those epic cheese pulls and creaminess try low moisture for best bake
- Onion powder and garlic granules: Build deep savory layers choose fresh spices for boldest flavor
- Paprika: Brings gentle heat and gorgeous color try smoked for added depth
- Dijon mustard: Enhances the cheese flavor do not skip it
- Parsley: Brightens and adds color use fresh if possible but dried works well
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the cheesy richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
The most important part is just ahead — click NEXT »»
