When the skies are grey and overcast, a hot three-cheese baked macaroni can instantly brighten up your mood. This dish is the epitome of comfort food with its rich cheesy flavour, soft macaroni and golden, charred top. You can easily make it at home and enjoy this ultimate comfort feeling. Here’s how to make this Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni with your own hands and make it your indispensable home-cooked meal.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Three Cheeses Features
This classic Italian dish is called three-cheese because it combines three different types of cheese – usually mozzarella, parmesan and cheddar. Each type of cheese brings a different flavour and texture, with the silky smoothness of mozzarella, the tangy ripeness of parmesan and the richness of cheddar, the three cheeses work harmoniously together to create a memorable dish.
Preparation
- Macaroni: 400g
- Mozzarella: 150g, shredded.
- Cheddar: 100g, shredded.
- Parmesan cheese: 50g, grated
- Whole milk: 500 ml
- Butter: 50g
- Gluten flour: 50g
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Breadcrumbs: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves or parsley: a little (for garnish)
Preparation steps
1. Cook the macaroni
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- add the macaroni and cook until al dente (slightly chewy), according to the time indicated on the packet.
- once cooked, pour into a strainer, drain and set aside.
2. To make the cheese sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter, add the high-gluten flour and whisk together quickly to make a thick white sauce (Roux).
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to make sure no particles form.
- Add the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses have melted and the sauce has thickened.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Mixing Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
- Pour the macaroni into the cheese sauce and toss gently to make sure each piece of macaroni is evenly coated.
4. Bake
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese sauce into a baking tray and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs to form a top layer.
- Bake in the oven until the top is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Serve and enjoy!
Remove the baked Three Cheese Baked Macaroni and allow to cool slightly for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley for a refreshing aroma.
Tips
- When making the cheese sauce, make sure the heat is not too high to avoid browning the milk and cheese.
- You can make your own breadcrumbs by toasting the slices of bread and crushing them, which is much crisper and healthier than the supermarket bought ones.
- During baking, if you find that the surface colours up too quickly, cover with a layer of tinfoil to avoid premature browning.
Conclusion
Three Cheese Baked Macaroni, a simple and classic comfort food, is perfect as a main course for a family meal or as a comfort food to be enjoyed by one person. It’s more than just a dish, it’s an emotional attachment, a love of family and a love of life. Try serving this love-filled Three Cheese Baked Macaroni at your next family dinner.
