If you’re searching for the ultimate cheesy comfort food, look no further than Four Cheese Baked Macaroni. This classic dish is an irresistible medley of tender pasta wrapped up in a luxuriously creamy sauce, with a satisfying golden breadcrumb topping that gives way to stretchy, melted cheese with every forkful. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, Four Cheese Baked Macaroni always impresses and quickly disappears—no one can resist its melty, bubbling charm!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Four Cheese Baked Macaroni lies in its simple, everyday ingredients coming together to create magic. Each item on this list brings something special, from velvety texture to depth of flavor, ensuring every bite tastes homemade and unforgettable.
- Elbow macaroni (1 pound): The classic shape that holds onto all the cheesy sauce for ultimate satisfaction.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create the creamy roux base.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce without altering the flavor.
- Whole milk (4 cups): Brings creaminess and body to your cheese sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce extra luscious and indulgent.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances out all those dairy flavors and brings the taste to life.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a bit of gentle heat and richness.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a hint of smokiness and a touch of color.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Everything tastes better with a pop of garlic flavor!
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Delivers that classic mac and cheese tanginess.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds creaminess and a gorgeous cheese pull.
- Gruyère cheese (1 cup, shredded): Offers nutty, complex flavor that takes the sauce up a notch.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Brings salty, savory notes and a beautiful topping.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): For the perfect crispy, golden finish that everyone loves.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps your breadcrumbs toast fabulously in the oven.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Adds freshness and a pop of green for a picture-perfect finish.
How to Make Four Cheese Baked Macaroni
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This also gives you a moment to gather and measure out your ingredients, so everything’s at your fingertips when you need it.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions—just until al dente. It’s okay if it has a tiny bit of bite left since it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready for its cheese bath!
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for one or two minutes, creating a smooth roux with a pale golden color. Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go so the mixture stays lump-free. Let it gently simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Then sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, stirring to combine.
Step 4: The Four Cheese Magic
Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Watch as the cheeses melt into a silky, rich sauce—this is where Four Cheese Baked Macaroni truly shines! Stir until everything is completely smooth and combined.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained macaroni into the pot with the cheese sauce. With a gentle hand, fold and mix so every bit of pasta is luxuriously coated. The combination should be creamy and inviting—absolutely packed with cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Spoon the macaroni and cheese sauce into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle this evenly on top of the macaroni along with the remaining Parmesan. This breadcrumb topping gives Four Cheese Baked Macaroni that iconic crunch and beautiful golden finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this makes it easier to slice and gives the flavors time to settle in.
How to Serve Four Cheese Baked Macaroni
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before bringing it to the table. Its bright green color adds a vibrant pop and a hint of herbal freshness, making your Four Cheese Baked Macaroni look (and taste) absolutely irresistible. If you like a little heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes works too!
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and cheesy on its own, so simple sides truly shine. Try serving your Four Cheese Baked Macaroni with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or even tangy pickles to cut through the creaminess. Crusty bread on the side is always a hit for sopping up every bit of cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the big casserole dish! Spoon the mac and cheese into individual ramekins for elegant dinner party servings, dish it out in muffin tins for portable, snackable portions, or use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers for a fun twist. You can even use Four Cheese Baked Macaroni as the showstopping base for a “mac and cheese bar” with bowls of toppings like crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or spicy jalapeños for your guests to customize their own servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Four Cheese Baked Macaroni, simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will stay cheesy and fabulous for up to four days. It’s ideal for quick lunches or a midnight snack—if you can resist eating it all right away!
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked macaroni cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and an extra layer of foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Four Cheese Baked Macaroni reheats beautifully. For a whole batch, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes). For single servings, a minute or two in the microwave does the trick—just add a splash of milk and cover the dish to keep things moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses for Four Cheese Baked Macaroni?
Absolutely! While the classic recipe calls for cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan, you can swap in other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack. The key is to pick a good mix of melty and flavorful varieties to maintain that iconic cheesy texture and taste.
How do I make it spicier?
If you love a bit of kick, simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your cheese sauce. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat. Four Cheese Baked Macaroni is easy to customize to suit your spice preferences.
Can I make Four Cheese Baked Macaroni ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate the assembled (but unbaked) dish. When you’re ready to eat, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding just a few more minutes to the cook time if starting cold.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Four Cheese Baked Macaroni is completely vegetarian, as long as you make sure to use Parmesan cheese that’s made with vegetarian rennet. Always double-check your cheese labels if you’re cooking for strict vegetarians.
How can I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?
The secret is to remove your sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese, and to add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly. This keeps the sauce creamy and prevents any separation or graininess. Using freshly shredded cheese (instead of pre-shredded) also helps ensure the smoothest, silkiest results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a bubbling dish of Four Cheese Baked Macaroni—every forkful promises comfort, flavor, and a big cheesy hug. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a new favorite in your home. Happy baking and enjoy every melty bite!
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Four Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Four Cheese Baked Macaroni recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheeses:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk and cream, season, and melt in the cheeses.
- Combine sauce and pasta: Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
- Add topping: Mix breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle over the pasta along with Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Gruyère with Fontina or Provolone if unavailable.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
