Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni with Herb Crust
A creamy macaroni casserole with a golden herb-butter crust, baked to perfection. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese 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
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 12 oz elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups whole milk while whisking constantly until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted.
- Step 3: Fold drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives with 1 tbsp melted butter, then spread over the macaroni surface.
- Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges, then let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni with Herb Crust take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 Macaroni with Herb Crust?
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 Macaroni with Herb Crust?
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 Macaroni with Herb Crust 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 Macaroni with Herb Crust?
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
- ★★★★★
Great recipe, came out perfectly.
- ★★★★★
Great for a family dinner, everyone loved it!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, creamy and flavorful.
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