This baked four cheese mac and cheese is a rich and creamy dish that combines the flavors of four different cheeses for an indulgent experience. It’s perfect for a comforting family meal or a special occasion.
The recipe is easy to follow and results in a deliciously cheesy pasta dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings or add-ins.
Overview of Baked Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
This baked four cheese mac and cheese is a delightful dish that combines the richness of four distinct cheeses, creating a creamy and indulgent experience.
Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe is straightforward and results in a comforting pasta dish that can be tailored with various toppings or mix-ins.
Cheese Selection for Maximum Flavor
The magic of this mac and cheese lies in the harmonious blend of cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan cheeses.
Each cheese contributes its unique flavor and texture, resulting in a creamy sauce that envelops the pasta beautifully.
Cheddar adds a sharpness, mozzarella brings stretchiness, gouda introduces a smoky note, and parmesan offers a nutty finish, making every bite a flavorful delight.
Cooking the Pasta to Perfection
To achieve the ideal texture, cooking the elbow macaroni until al dente is essential.
This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and provides a satisfying bite, even after baking.
Once cooked, draining the pasta and setting it aside allows for the cheese sauce to shine without becoming too watery.
Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce
The cheese sauce is the heart of this dish, beginning with melting butter and whisking in flour to create a roux.
Gradually adding milk while stirring helps thicken the sauce, creating a luscious base for the cheeses.
Once the mixture reaches the right consistency, stirring in the cheese blend results in a smooth and creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
Baking for the Perfect Crust
Transferring the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish sets the stage for the final baking step.
For those who enjoy a crunchy topping, mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling it over the dish adds a delightful texture contrast.
Baking until golden and bubbly creates a beautiful crust that enhances the overall presentation and flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment
Once baked, allowing the dish to cool slightly before serving helps the flavors meld together.
Serving the mac and cheese in rustic ceramic bowls adds a charming touch, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness.
This dish is best enjoyed hot, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.
Decadent Baked Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese features a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan cheeses, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden, serving about 6 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. If desired, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your baked four cheese mac and cheese hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g