Extra Special Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Jun 22 2022

This extra-special macaroni and cheese is made with a mixture of three cheeses: cheddar, Parmesan, and goat cheese, along with mixed herbs.

Ingredients

8
ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups raw)
4
tablespoons butter (divided)
2
tablespoons flour
2
cups milk
1
to 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (or 2 teaspoons dried leaf herbs; thyme, sage, chives, etc.)
½
teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4
ounces goat cheese (with herbs or plain)
8
ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
4
ounces shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
1
cup soft breadcrumbs

Step 1
Grease a 2-quart baking dish .
Step 2
Heat the oven to 350 F.
Step 3
Cook macaroni in salted boiling water following package directions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
Step 4
In a large saucepan , melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly; continue cooking and stirring until slightly thickened. Add the herbs, salt, and pepper, then stir in the goat cheese and cheddar. Stir in about 3 ounces of the Parmesan cheese; set the rest aside for the topping. Continue cooking and stirring the sauce until the cheeses have melted.
Step 5
Add the drained macaroni to the sauce and spoon it into the prepared baking dish.
Step 6
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended and the crumbs are thoroughly coated with butter.
Step 7
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
Step 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is browned and bubbling around the edges.