This Three Cheese Mac and Cheese is ultra creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy garlic Parmesan panko breadcrumbs. Made with sharp cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan cheese, it’s rich, flavorful, and comes together in just 30 minutes. The buttery garlic panko adds the perfect crunch to every bite!

Bowl of creamy three cheese mac and cheese with a spoon.
Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

Kelley’s Tips for the Best Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

  • Shred your own cheese! I can not emphasize this enough. Pre-shredded cheese has preservatives that prevent them from melting and you will end up with a lumpy, gritty, mac and cheese.
  • Add the cheese over low heat: High heat can cause the cheese to separate and turn grainy. Lower the heat before gradually stirring in the cheese.
  • Wait to serve with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the garlic panko breadcrumbs on the macaroni and cheese just before serving to keep the panko topping extra crispy!
  • Have leftovers? Thin them out when reheating with a splash of milk. You could also turn your leftover Mac and cheese into Mac and Cheese Cups! My kids love these and they are great for school lunches.
Kelley

Looking for a baked version? Try my Baked Macaroni and Cheese!

Looking for an Instant Pot version? Give my Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese a try!

Three cheese mac and cheese in a large pan with a wood spoon.

Ingredients

  • Elbow Macaroni: Classic elbow macaroni is perfect for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce. You can also use another small pasta shape, such as shells or cavatappi.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and gives you more control over the saltiness of the finished dish.
  • Flour: Combines with the butter to create a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce and helps make it smooth and creamy.
  • Whole Milk: Adds richness and creates a creamy sauce without making it too heavy.
  • Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan gives this mac and cheese plenty of flavor. For the smoothest sauce, shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
  • Seasonings: Dried mustard, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper add extra flavor and balance the richness of the cheese.
  • Olive Oil & Butter: Used together to toast the breadcrumbs until buttery, crisp, and golden brown.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates an extra-crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese. Regular breadcrumbs can be substituted, but won’t be quite as crunchy.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the panko topping lots of savory garlic flavor and aroma.

How to make Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

  1. Make the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
boiling elbow macaroni
  1. Make the Roux: Meanwhile, add butter to a large pot and cook until melted. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.
Butter and flour in a sauté pan.
  1. Make Sauce: Slowly add milk and seasonings (dried mustard, salt, paprika, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder) and bring to a simmer. Whisk constantly so milk does not burn on the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce is thickened and lump free.
Milk and spices going into the sauté pan.
  1. Add Cheese: Take off the heat and stir in all three cheeses. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is melted.
Cheese in a sauté pan with a milk sauce.
  1. Add Pasta: Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat the noodles in the sauce. Serve immediately as is or make the garlic parmesan breadcrumbs if desired!
Cheese sauce being stirred with a wooden spoon.

How To Make Garlic Panko For Mac and Cheese

Toast breadcrumbs: Heat olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add the breadcrumbs and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring frequently until the breadcrumbs get golden brown.

Remove from the heat then stir in the fresh chopped parsley!

A wooden spatula stirs golden-brown garlic panko breadcrumbs in a white frying pan, toasting them evenly over a stovetop—perfect for topping a Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs.
A white bowl filled with golden toasted breadcrumbs mixed with chopped parsley and garlic, the perfect topping for Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs, with a spoon resting inside.
Three cheese mac and cheese in a pot with a wood spoon scooping some out.

Frequently Asked questions

What cheese is best for homemade mac and cheese?

My favorite combination for this recipe is sharp cheddar, swiss, and fresh parmesan! Swiss isn’t as common in mac and cheese recipes but it gives a wonderful creaminess and subtle flavor. Other good cheese to use are gouda, gruyere, cream cheese, or even goat cheese if you want a stronger flavor!

Do I have to make the garlic breadcrumbs for this recipe?

Technically, no. You will have a delicious, creamy mac and cheese on its own. However, I highly recommend it. The garlic panko breadcrumbs are what take this up a level with the garlicky crunchy goodness. They add a nice texture and flavor that you otherwise won’t get!

Serving Suggestions

Mac and cheese topped with garlic parmesan breadcrumbs.

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    A bowl of creamy Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs with a spoon, seen from above, featuring elbow pasta coated in a thick, cheesy sauce and topped with a golden layer of crispy garlic panko breadcrumbs.
    Recipe

    Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs

    5 from 1 vote
    Creamy Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs. A super easy 30 minute side dish!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Serves 4
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

    • 1 lb elbow macaroni
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
    • 4 cups whole milk
    • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
    • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
    • 1 tsp dried mustard
    • 3/4 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp paprika
    • 1/2 tsp pepper
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • 1 tsp garlic powder

    Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs

    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
    • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, shredded
    • 1/2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

    Instructions

    Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

    • Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
      Drain and set aside.
    • Meanwhile, add butter to a large pot and cook until melted.
      Whisk in flour and cook stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.
    • Slowly add in milk and seasonings (dried mustard, salt, paprika, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder) and bring to a simmer. Whisk constantly so milk does not burn on the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce is thickened and lump free.
    • Take off of the heat and stir in all three cheeses. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is melted.
    • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat the noodles in the sauce.
    • Serve immediately as is or with the garlic parmesan breadcrumbs if desired!

    Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs

    • Heat olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium high heat.
    • Add in breadcrumbs and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes stirring frequently until the breadcrumbs get golden brown.
    • Transfer the breadcrumbs to a small bowl and add in the parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
    • Set aside until your are ready to serve your macaroni and cheese!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 577kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 22gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 524mgPotassium: 397mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 934IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg
    A bowl of creamy Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs with a spoon, seen from above, featuring elbow pasta coated in a thick, cheesy sauce and topped with a golden layer of crispy garlic panko breadcrumbs.

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