Macaroni and Three Cheeses (2024)

When legendary athlete Michael Jordan was working with chef David Walzog on the menu for his eponymous steakhouse in Manhattan, Jordan insisted on including macaroni and cheese. His reasons were simple; he loved his mother's cheesy baked macaroni and he thinks it's the ideal accompaniment to steak. This upscale take on baked mac and cheese certainly makes that argument well. At the heart of this recipe is a creamy Mornay sauce that blends the sharp Parmesan,funky gorgonzola, and white cheddar. Mustard and a dash of Worcestershire play up the tanginess of the cheeses, making this a flavorful side that pairs well with steak.

Frequently asked questions

What three cheeses go well together for mac and cheese?

Cheddar (white or yellow), Gruyère, Swiss, and gouda are some of the most popular types of cheeses to use for homemade mac and cheese, thanks to their flavorful, meltable qualities. For richer flavor, incorporate some funky varieties like blue cheese and Parmesan. Don’t buy pre-shredded cheese for this recipe; it’s coated in cornstarch to prevent it from clumping, but that addition keeps it from melting properly into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

When cooking the pasta, boil it until it’s just shy of al dente and still a bit firm (for elbow macaroni, cook for five to six minutes). It will continue to absorb moisture when mixed into the sauce and baked, so this ensures that its texture will be just right when it comes out of the oven.

Suggested pairing

A rich, satisfying California Merlot pairs well with this rich, satisfying gourmet mac and cheese.

Macaroni and Three Cheeses (2024)

FAQs

What are the three best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

How many calories are in 3 cheese mac and cheese? ›

Cheese Club 3 Cheese Macaroni And Cheese Dinner (1 cup) contains 50g total carbs, 49g net carbs, 1g fat, 8g protein, and 380 calories.

What United States president may have invented macaroni and cheese? ›

James Hemings, a classically trained French chef enslaved by US president Thomas Jefferson, was instrumental in bringing the recipe to the United States after Jefferson encountered it in Paris.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

Are mac and cheese unhealthy? ›

Are mac and cheese healthy, yes or no? Unfortunately, traditional mac and cheese tends to be unhealthy because it contains high amounts of saturated fats and sodium from butter, cheese, and milk. Additionally, it is calorie-dense and not ideal for those trying to lose weight.

What is considered one serving of mac and cheese? ›

Pay attention to the serving size and how many servings are in a food package. In the sample label, one serving of macaroni and cheese equals 1 cup. If you eat the whole package, you will be eating 2 cups. That doubles the calories and other nutrient numbers.

Is a box of mac and cheese healthy? ›

You're not going to get a simple “yes” or “no” answer here, because it doesn't exist. The ABSOLUTE MINIMUM you need to know, in 50 words or less: Boxed mac and cheese is high in phthalates because of plastic involved in processing, plus fat content.

What year did Crayola add a color called macaroni and cheese? ›

In 1993, Crayola named one of its crayon colors 'Macaroni and Cheese.

What does s mac stand for? ›

S'MAC (short for Sarita's Macaroni & Cheese) is an exciting eatery located in the heart of Manhattan's East Village.

What was the original name of mac and cheese? ›

While historians cite the 13th century Italian cookbook “Liber de Coquina” as the first written and recognized macaroni and cheese recipe — a dish called de lasanis — the classic American side item arrived by way of France — courtesy of James Hemings.

Which president ate a tomato? ›

According to one published report, Jefferson created quite a bit of consternation when he publicly ate a tomato in front of the present Miller-Claytor house in Lynchburg.

What was Thomas Jefferson's favorite food? ›

Thomas Jefferson – Mac and Cheese

A little-known fact about him, however, was his love for mac and cheese. During his time traveling in Europe, he discovered his taste for this dish, and was credited with popularizing it in the United States.

What is a fancy name for mac and cheese? ›

Macaroni au gratin is, of course, a fancy name for mac and cheese. In this case though, it really is so much more than your run-of-the-mill mac.

What are the 3 cheeses in Kraft 3 cheese? ›

Kraft Grated Three Cheese Blend – Add a sprinkle of zing to your favorite pastas, pizzas, seafood, salads and more with the bold taste of Kraft grated Parmesan, Romano & Asiago cheeses.

What cheese melts the best? ›

What is the best melting cheese? Cheeses with more moisture and lower melting points - cheddar is one of the most popular choices, but Swiss and Gruyère are also terrific options.

Does rinsing shredded cheese make it melt better? ›

These are anti-caking ingredients the manufacturer adds to keep the individual shreds from clumping together in transit. Rinsing off your prepackaged shredded cheese can help remove some of these anti-caking ingredients and in theory, makes it easier for your cheese to melt together uniformly in a gooey delight.

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