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Homemade Macaroni and Three Cheeses Updated Pic
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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Macaroni and Three Cheeses

Homemade Macaroni and Three Cheeses is creamy, cheesy and delicious. This side dish contains a "surprise" ingredient. Must try at least once! Recipe and photography by Beverly Davis for CornbreadMillionaire.com.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: southern
Keyword: cheese, pasta
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 214kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 box (8 ounces) elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter not margarine
  • 1-3/4 cups buttermilk whole or fat-free
  • 1 medium egg, beaten (optional) The beaten egg will help thicken cheese sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt More or less as preferred.
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper More or less as preferred
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional) Smoked or regular
  • 1-1/2 cups (or 8 ounce block) medium cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded or use shredded black rind hoop cheese
  • 1-1/2 cups (or 8 ounce block) Marbled Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese, sliced or shredded
  • French fried onions (optional) for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Evenly coat a casserole baking dish or 10" cast iron skillet with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
  • Prepare elbow macaroni according to instructions on package. Cook until al dente (firm). Mushy macaroni noodles not suggested for this recipe. Drain cooked noodles and place in buttered casserole dish or 10" cast iron skillet. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, beaten egg (if using), sour cream, salt (as preferred), coarse ground black pepper (as preferred), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using). Stir until evenly combined.
  • Pour mixture in center of baking dish. Stir until evenly combined.
  • Top with 1/2 of each block of cheese (shredded or thinly sliced). Cover with foil.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 375. Bake 8 to 10 minutes OR until cheese is melted.
  • Remove from oven. Stir together melted cheese and noodles. Top with remaining 1/2 blocks of cheese (shredded or thinly sliced).
  • Sprinkled crushed French fried onions over the top of each serving (optional).
  • Return to HOT oven. Cook another 8 to 10 minutes OR until cheese is bubbly.
  • If desired, place under boiler to brown (optional).
  • Serve hot.