Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs

This creamy Three Cheese Mac and Cheese with Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs is going to top any mac and cheese you have ever made! It is loaded with ooey-gooey melty cheese and you can whip it up in 30 minutes for a quick dinner the whole family will love!
three cheese mac and cheese with garlic panko breadcrumbs in bowl

Everyone loves a good macaroni and cheese and I am no exception. I have been getting over a cold this week and comfort food is what I craved. What better than creamy three-cheese mac and cheese when you’re under the weather. I also had tons of leftover cheese from the holidays. What do you do with leftover cheese? Make macaroni and cheese!

This mac and cheese is loaded with 3 different kinds of cheese. I have found that Brie, cheddar, and Parmesan make the perfect creamy combination for this recipe!

This melty cheese is mixed with tender macaroni noodles, topped with butter garlic panko breadcrumbs, and then, of course, more cheese.  It is then topped with a thick layer of crunchy panko breadcrumbs that gives you a nice crunch to complement the thick, creamy pasta.

This is the perfect recipe if you are cravings comfort food, like me. Or if you need a quick dinner for the kids or just need a simple side dish. The boxed stuff is convenient of course, but homemade tastes so much better and you really can’t mess it up!

assorted cheeses on wooden table

How to make Three Cheese Mac and Cheese with Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs

This mac and cheese is a 3 step process.

  1. Boil the pasta.
  2. Make the cheese sauce
  3. Put it in the oven.

Serve it immediately, keep it simple, don’t overthink it, and enjoy every bite!

Cheese sauce being poured over bowl of cooked macaroni noodles

Tips for making the Best Mac & Cheese

  • Cook pasta until al-dente. I like to cook my macaroni until al-dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven leaving us with perfectly tender pasta. We all know there is nothing worse than overcooked pasta.
  • 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.
  • Make the cheese sauce while the pasta is cooking. While the pasta is boiling I make the cheese sauce. The cheese sauce starts out with a simple roux (butter and flour). This thickens up our cheese sauce. Milk is added and then simmered until thickened. Take off of the heat and whisk in all three kinds of cheese. Pour over cooked noodles and add to a baking dish.
  • Sautee your breadcrumbs. Saute the garlic Panko breadcrumbs in oil and butter in a small skillet. Add the sauteed garlic to the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley. Toss to combine and place on top of the mac and cheese.

How to store leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 3 to 5 days.

What cheese is best for homemade mac and cheese?

My favorite combination for this recipe is brie, cheddar, and fresh parmesan. Brie isn’t typically thought of for mac and cheese but it gives it wonderful creaminess and richness. Other good cheeses to use are gouda, gruyere, cream cheese, and goat cheese.
three cheese mac and cheese with garlic panko breadcrumbs in a serving bowl

More quick and easy pasta recipes!

Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Creamy Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs. A super easy 30 minute side dish!

Ingredients

Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups 1% milk
  • 1/4 cup brie cheese cubed (I take the rind off)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried mustard

Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs

  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Boil pasta until al dente. About 7 minutes depending on pasta.
  • Meanwhile, add butter to a medium saucepan and cook until melted.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes until clump free and thickened.
  • Add in milk and bring to a simmer. Whisk constantly so milk does not burn on the bottom of the pan. Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Take off of the heat and stir in all three cheeses, paprika, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder and dried mustard.
  • Add the cheese sauce to the cooked pasta stir to coat.
  • Pour into an un-greased 8 x 8 pan.
  • Top with Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs. Spread evenly over macaroni.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs

  • Combine breadcrumbs, cheese and parsley in a medium bowl. Toss to combine.
  • Add butter and oil to a small skillet. Melt butter.
  • Add in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Take off the heat and add sauteed garlic to the breadcrumbs. Toss to combine.
  • Set aside until your are ready to put the mac and cheese in the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Three Cheese Mac and Cheese With Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs
Amount per Serving
Calories
577
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
27
g
42
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Cholesterol
 
65
mg
22
%
Sodium
 
524
mg
23
%
Potassium
 
397
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
 
62
g
21
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
22
g
44
%
Vitamin A
 
934
IU
19
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
400
mg
40
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brie Cheese, Easy side dish, Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs, Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

 

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