What 3 cheeses are best for mac and cheese?

Lisa’s go-to combination is sharp cheddar , gruyère , and mozzarella . Cheddar gives that classic bite, gruyère adds a nutty richness, and mozzarella melts into creamy perfection. Together, they deliver the smooth, layered flavor you want in a 3 cheese mac and cheese recipe .

What three cheeses go well together?

Look for cheeses that complement each other in taste and texture. Beyond Lisa’s trio, other popular combos include: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan Fontina, gouda, and mozzarella Havarti, swiss, and provolone The key is balance: one bold, one melty, one smooth.

How to make a 3 cheese sauce?

Start with a basic roux (butter + flour), then whisk in warm milk until it thickens. Gradually melt in freshly grated cheeses—Lisa recommends doing this slowly over low heat to avoid clumping. Season with salt, pepper, and optional mustard or garlic powder.

What cheeses should I avoid when making mac and cheese?

Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well or overpower the dish, like: Feta or goat cheese – too crumbly Blue cheese – very sharp, may clash Pre-shredded cheeses – contain starches that prevent smooth melting Stick with high-quality blocks for the best results.

3 Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe: Lisa’s Creamy Classic from Scratch

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup sharp cheddar (shredded)
1 cup mozzarella (shredded)
¾ cup gruyère (shredded)
Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Optional: breadcrumbs, parmesan for topping

Instructions

Cook pasta until al dente, drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux.
Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened.
Add cheeses in batches, stirring until smooth.
Combine pasta with sauce. Transfer to baking dish.
Top with extra cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
Bake at 375°F for 20–25 mins. Let rest before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Salad

Keywords: three cheese mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese