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Four Cheese Baked Macaroni

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


  • Author: Susan
  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
  5. 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.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
  7. 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.
  8. 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