Three-Cheese Baked Mac with Crispy Herb Topping
A decadent yet simple baked macaroni and cheese featuring sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and a golden herb-crusted topping for irresistible comfort. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 12 oz elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, then slowly pour in 2 cups milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5 minutes).
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère until melted. Add the drained macaroni and toss until coated. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni. Bake for 25 minutes until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling, then let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Cheese Baked Mac with Crispy Herb Topping take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Three-Cheese Baked Mac with Crispy Herb Topping?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Cheese Baked Mac with Crispy Herb Topping?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Three-Cheese Baked Mac with Crispy Herb Topping for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Three-Cheese Baked Mac with Crispy Herb Topping?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
