3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Made with simple pantry staples, 3 cheese macaroni and cheese is a quick dinner recipe that tastes creamier and cheesier than the boxed kind.

You don't need any flour or a fancy roux to make rich tasty homemade mac and cheese. I threw this together when I was looking at my pantry one night, wondering what to make for dinner.

If you love cheese and pasta - and you can usually find your favorite foods on the kid's menu - then you'll love this baked mac and cheese recipe.

Why You'll Love 3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

• Simple Ingredients: It uses canned ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
• Easy to Make: If you can boil water, you can make this dish.
• Customizable: Top it with bacon, or use spicy cheese. The options are endless!
• Crowd Pleaser: Both kids and adults love mac and cheese - it's basically comfort food.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It will last about three days in the refrigerator, and you can reheat it in the microwave.

See? It's the perfect last-minute dinner idea when you don't know what to make!

Why Busy Cooks Need This Dish

This is where comfort food meets convenience. When you make 3 cheese macaroni and cheese, you don't have to pre-boil the noodles or create a roux in the skillet. This scrumptious side dish has bold flavors from three types of cheese - and you can adjust the spice and flavors effortlessly.

Are you looking for other easy side dish recipes like this 3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?

If you like this baked mac and cheese, then check out some of our other recent easy recipes - like our easy pasta recipes!

Ingredients You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this fantastic 3-ring macaroni and cheese:

• 1 box, 16 oz, macaroni pasta shells (un cooked)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 can, 12 oz, evaporated milk
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces colby jack cheese, shredded
• 4 tablespoons butter

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to turn on that oven.

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How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese

This macaroni and cheese recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the perfect dish in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First, preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. 

Mix The Ingredients

Next, add pasta shells, cornstarch, salt and pepper to the baking pan and mix well.

Stir in evaporated milk, chicken broth, salt and pepper and mix well.

Add cheese and stir.

Top With Butter

Finally, dot the top with slices of butter.

Bake The Mac and Cheese

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, removing foil, stirring well and covering again every 15 minutes.

Allow It To Rest

Let stand five minutes before serving. 

Serves 16-18

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Mac and Cheese

• Use Your Favorite Noodles: As you can see, I used two different boxes of shells, so the type of pasta doesn't matter. Have fun with it! Use rotini or even Orzo pasta.
• Add Some Veggies: Boost the nutrition and mix in some broccoli or cauliflower florets.
• Make It An Entree: Add some bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken. Now you have a main course!
• Customize Your Cheese: Use spicy pepper jack cheese for heat or parmesan for earthy nuttiness.

Pairings That Complete the Meal

This 3 cheese macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that you could eat as the main course. But it's also perfect as a side dish with BBQ chicken or pulled pork.

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