Triple Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese – True Comfort Food

This is the ultimate in American comfort food. This creamy and delicious classic is none other than Macaroni and Cheese.  With copious amounts of ooey-gooey cheese, it’s ohhhh so satisfying.

This week I have really been craving comfort food. I don’t know if it’s the weather , but a bowl of rich and creamy, ooey- gooey, homemade mac and cheese would really hit the spot. There is just something about macaroni and cheese that gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Don’t you agree?  It’s like chicken soup when you’re sick, this just makes  everything better.

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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This extra cheesy version of mac and cheese combines three kinds of cheese; sharp cheddar cheese, smoked gouda, and Parmesan. My family liked this combination of cheeses. The smoked gouda gives it a hint of smokiness that just makes it awesome! Try it and see for yourself or substitute with any kind of cheese you have on hand.

Ingredients for Homemade Mac and Cheese

• elbow macaroni noodles
• butter
• all-purpose flour
• dry mustard
• milk
• onion powder
• Bay leaf
• nutmeg
• dried thyme (optional)
• black pepper
• sea salt
• sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• smoked gouda, shredded
• parmesan cheese, shredded
• panko bread crumbs

How to Make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese?

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook pasta according to the package directions until its al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat another sauce pot over medium-low heat.
3. To that sauce pan, melt the butter. Then whisk in the flour and mustard. This is the roux I mentioned. Be sure to stir constantly for about 3 minutes making sure you don not have any lumps.
4. Remove sauce pan from heat and whisk in the milk.
5. Return the sauce pan with the roux to the stovetop over medium-high heat.
6. Add the onion powder, bay leaf, nutmeg, and thyme. Bring to a boil while whisking mixture for 1 minute.
7. Reduce and simmer for 10 minutes, stir occasionally. Sauce should resemble a thick pancake batter when done.
8. Remove pan from heat and remove the bay leaf.
9. Stir in black pepper, salt, 1 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and smoked gouda cheese. Mix until well combined.
10. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine.
11. Place macaroni and cheese in a 2 quart casserole dish.
12. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs.
13. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned on top.
14. Remove from oven and allow to set 5 minutes before serving.

This version makes a large amount, 10-12 servings.  You can never have too much delicious, homemade mac and cheese. We all dig in as soon as it’s ready.  It is a great side dish for lunch for dinner.

Macaroni and Cheese Add-ins

If you want to switch things up and spice up your southern baked macaroni and cheese, try adding one of these add ins before placing in your casserole dish and baking:

• Crumbled bacon – after all everything is better with bacon
• Diced ham
• Parboiled veggies like peas and carrots or broccoli florets
• Cooked ground beef
• Chopped chives, green onions, or carmelized onions
• Fresh chopped herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano

You can also try added finished macaroni and cheese to these:

Easy Chili Con Carne with Lentils for Chili Mac

Pork sliders – switch out the coleslaw on these for the pasta. Trust me on this one. A local restaurant serves one of these that is KILLER on jalapeno cornbread.

Any way you serve it, you’ll love this triple cheese baked Macaroni and Cheese is a dish your family is sure to love and want you to make it again and again.