Four Cheese Baked Macaroni: Creamy, Cheesy, and Golden Baked Mac and Cheese

This Four Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with its rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Velveeta. Each bite is loaded with cheesy goodness, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck crowd-pleaser. Plus, a crunchy breadcrumb topping adds the ideal finishing touch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, Cheesy Flavor: A blend of four cheeses creates a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Creamy Texture: The cheese sauce coats every piece of pasta for an ultra-creamy bite.
• Baked Perfection: Baking gives it a golden top and an optional breadcrumb crunch.
• Easy to Customize: Swap in your favorite cheeses or spices for a new flavor profile every time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

5. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, cooking until lightly golden.

Step 4: Add the Milk

7. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and is smooth, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings

8. Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Velveeta, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and fully incorporated.
9. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

10. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until each piece is well coated.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

11. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
12. For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Step 8: Bake

13. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Whisk for stirring the roux and sauce
• 9×13-inch baking dish for baking the mac and cheese
• Spoon or spatula for mixing

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve hot as a main dish or side with a simple salad or steamed veggies.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Variations

• Cheese Options: Try adding Gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda for a different flavor.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter for a crispier, golden topping.
• Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Helpful Tips

• Creamier Sauce: Use whole milk for a richer texture, or substitute half-and-half for extra creaminess.
• Don’t Overbake: Bake just until bubbly and golden on top. Overbaking can dry out the mac and cheese.
• Grating Tip: Grate cheese fresh from a block for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that affect smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and bake as directed.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Shells, rotini, or cavatappi are all great substitutes that hold the sauce well.

3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the roux with a gluten-free alternative, like cornstarch or a 1:1 gluten-free flour.

4. Can I make it without Velveeta?
Yes! Substitute Velveeta with cream cheese or add extra cheddar for a slightly different, still creamy texture.

5. How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top for a richer, golden crust.

This Four Cheese Baked Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food with its creamy, gooey interior and crisp golden top. Packed with cheesy goodness, it’s a classic dish that’s perfect for any gathering, weeknight dinner, or holiday table. Enjoy every indulgent bite!

Print