Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy Molten Three-Cheese Mac & Cheese Dome, featuring a gooey cheese center and a crispy exterior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- ¾ cup shredded Gruyère (or Swiss)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella (for cheese lava filling)
- ½ cup white cheddar (for cheese lava filling)
- Optional: ½ cup cheese sauce for extra melting
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for crispy crumb exterior)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (for crispy crumb exterior)
Instructions
- Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly add warm milk and cream while whisking. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Add mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyère. Stir until melted and silky. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in the cooked pasta.
- In a bowl, mix mozzarella and white cheddar for the cheese lava filling.
- Spray a round bowl or small dome mold with nonstick spray. Press ½ of the mac & cheese firmly into the mold. Create a well in the center and add the cheese lava filling. Cover with the remaining mac & cheese and press to compact. Refrigerate for 1 hour to help it hold shape.
- Mix panko, melted butter, paprika, and salt. Unmold the mac & cheese dome onto a baking sheet. Press the buttery panko all over the dome evenly.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden.
- Optional: Drizzle extra melted mozzarella or a quick cheese sauce over the dome for a molten waterfall effect.
Notes
- Adjust cheese types based on preference.
- For added flavor, consider adding herbs or spices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg