Description
Four Cheese Baked Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food for cheese lovers. This dish combines four types of cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, Velveeta, and Parmesan—to create a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats each piece of tender macaroni. Baked to a golden finish, this macaroni is topped with optional breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add the Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Velveeta, and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added crunch.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Extra Crunch: For a crispier topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling on top.
- Customize the Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses, like Gruyere or fontina, for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes