Creamy Three Cheese Mac and Cheese (TikTok Viral Recipe)
This creamy three cheese mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Made with cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella, it has the perfect balance of flavor and melt. The silky cheese sauce comes together easily and can be finished baked or on the stovetop for a rich, satisfying dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp paprika plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp parsley, green onions, or chives chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions, just to al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in paprika, then garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Build the Cheese Sauce: Whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream slowly. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in half of each cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Not runny, not super thick. Add the pasta and stir until fully coated.
- Bake or Keep It Creamy (Your Choice)For baked mac and cheese: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.For stovetop: Keep on low heat for 2–3 minutes until everything is melted and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Top with parsley, green onions, or chives and let sit a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Mix in some protein: Add crispy bacon, diced ham, or stir in cooked chicken for a full meal.
- Add a bit of heat: Add cayenne, jalapeños, or some pepper jack cheese.
- Add a crunchy topping: Top with buttery breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, and some shredded parmesan cheese before baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 25gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 436mgPotassium: 343mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1139IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 517mgIron: 1mg
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