Ingredients

Pasta:

1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)

1 cup heavy cream

4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup shredded Colby cheese

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

2 tablespoons melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.

Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheeses, a handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth.

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using).

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.

Prepare for Baking:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

If using breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve:

Let the macaroni and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Tips:

For a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

To add extra creaminess, you can mix in some cream cheese or Velveeta cheese along with the other cheeses.

Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations according to your taste preferences.