Creamy Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Mushrooms and Sweet Corn
1 hour
777 reads
About Creamy Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Mushrooms and Sweet Corn
Craving mac and cheese but want something truly special? This Creamy Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese is pure comfort food, elevated with sweet corn and sautéed mushrooms for an irresistible twist.Sharp Cheddar, Parmesan, and Mozzarella melt together into a rich, decadent sauce, coating every piece of perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. The burst of sweet corn and savory mushrooms adds a delightful texture and depth of flavor.Finished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness, this mac and cheese is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive side dish for any gathering.
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See the 30-Day PlanRecipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook45 minutes
Total1 hour
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 cup Elbow Macaroni
- 8 oz Button Mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 cup Corn drained, frozen or canned, sweet
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 clove Garlic finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp Parsley chopped, fresh
Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Basil dried
- 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Butter
Cheeses and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- Pepper black, freshly ground, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions in salted boiling water. Adding a few drops of oil helps prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, but not browned.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the sweet corn and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Grease a casserole dish with butter. Layer half of the macaroni mixture, then half of the Cheddar and Parmesan. Repeat layers, ending with Mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For a spicier Indian twist, sauté a finely chopped green chili along with the onions and garlic, or sprinkle in a pinch of garam masala or red chili flakes to the cheese sauce for extra warmth and depth.
- If you prefer a crunchy topping, transfer the finished mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs and a bit of extra Parmesan, then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
- To make this dish vegetarian-friendly with even more umami, swap out button mushrooms for a mix of wild mushrooms such as cremini or shiitake, which will add a deeper, earthier flavor.
- Leftovers can be portioned into muffin tins and baked at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes to create crispy, portable mac and cheese cups—perfect for snacks or lunchboxes.
Expert Tips
- For an extra creamy mac and cheese, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose which can hinder melting.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the cheese sauce and prevent a mushy texture.
- Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Try mixing cheddar, Gruyère, and fontina.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.2gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 855mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
Monika Patel
Articles: 71
5 Comments
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Such a tempting dish! Thank you.
This is perfect! Can’t wait to taste it.
Great recipe! I’m eager to try it.
Such a scrumptious dish! Thank you.
I’m loving this recipe already!