Four Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe
Get ready to dive fork-first into the magic of Four Cheese Baked Macaroni—a bubbling bake of creamy, golden noodles laced with not one, not two, but an all-star lineup of four irresistible cheeses. This comfort classic is guaranteed to coax smiles out of even the hardest days, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just treating yourself to a little luxury. The ultimate blend of sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, nutty parmesan, and tangy feta makes every bite an experience you’ll want to revisit again and again. Let’s gather our ingredients and start cooking up a memory you’ll crave for weeks to come!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Four Cheese Baked Macaroni lies in its totally approachable array of ingredients—each one brings something crucial, from creamy texture to a satisfying crunch on top. Together, they’re the handful of building blocks that guarantee your pasta bake is rich, flavorful, and gorgeously melty.
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect canvas for catching that silky cheese sauce in every nook and cranny.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of your roux, setting the stage for ultimate creaminess in your sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce with buttery undertones, so each bite is luscious (not runny).
- Whole milk: Adds richness and body to the sauce, balancing out the cheese.
- Heavy cream: Kicks the dairy factor up a notch, creating an ultra-luxurious texture.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor, so the cheese really gets its moment to shine.
- Black pepper: Lends just a hint of warmth and depth to the savory blend.
- Garlic powder: Just enough savory punch to take the cheese sauce from mild to memorable.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The backbone of any classic macaroni—extra tangy and melty.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey, stretchy goodness to every forkful.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, complex finish and helps crisp the topping.
- Crumbled feta cheese: The surprise element—a punch of tang that brightens the whole dish.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: Create that irresistible golden crunch on top.
- Olive oil: Tossed with breadcrumbs to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Four Cheese Baked Macaroni
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving your baking dish a light coat of oil or butter—this step means nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze. Meanwhile, set a big pot of salted water boiling for your elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta just to al dente (usually a minute or two less than package instructions), because it will finish cooking in the oven and soak up more flavor from the sauce. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make a Silky Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s just foaming. Sprinkle in the flour and start whisking—don’t walk away! Let the mixture cook for about 1–2 minutes, just until it smells slightly nutty and the floury taste cooks out. This roux is the secret to a sauce that’s thick, not gloopy.
Step 3: Build That Creamy Cheese Sauce
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, pouring slowly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken for 4–5 minutes as you stir. Once it’s looking smooth and luscious, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Take the pan off the heat, then add your cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and feta. Stir until every bit is melted and dreamy—this is the moment where plain dairy becomes the heart of your Four Cheese Baked Macaroni.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Tip the drained macaroni into the saucepan and stir gently, making sure every noodle is coated from tip to tip with sauce. Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures a consistent bake and plenty of crispy topping per serving!
Step 5: Top and Bake to Perfection
In a small bowl, toss the seasoned breadcrumbs with olive oil so every crumb gets coated (no dry spots here). Scatter this mixture all over your mac and cheese. Slide the dish into the oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Let the dish cool for several minutes before diving in, so all that cheesy glory sets up just enough for perfect slices.
How to Serve Four Cheese Baked Macaroni
Garnishes
The creamy richness of Four Cheese Baked Macaroni practically begs for a finishing sprinkle! Try fresh chopped parsley or basil for color, a few more shreds of parmesan for extra umami, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick. These little touches not only dress up your bake but heighten flavor with every forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish is a superstar all by itself, but it also loves company. Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted tomatoes to balance all that cheese with a burst of freshness. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a bowl of vegetable soup or a platter of garlic bread—the kind that’s perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up and wow your guests by baking in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or serve in a skillet right from the oven for a rustic, shareable look on the table. If you’re hosting a party, try spooning portions into cupcake liners for easy-to-grab bites on a buffet—Four Cheese Baked Macaroni always steals the spotlight, no matter how you serve it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any remaining Four Cheese Baked Macaroni cool completely before wrapping your baking dish tightly or transferring individual slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days—it reheats beautifully, making it an easy weeknight treat or lunchbox hero.
Freezing
If you want to stash away comfort for a rainy day, you can freeze this dish. After baking and cooling, slice and wrap portions snugly in foil or freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. For quicker meals, the microwave works too—just cover and use short bursts to avoid drying out the pasta. Add a splash of milk if you’d like your Four Cheese Baked Macaroni extra creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and does a great job catching the sauce, you can use shells, penne, or cavatappi for a fun twist. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so your pasta stays perfectly al dente.
What if I don’t have all four cheeses?
No worries! You can mix and match with whatever you have on hand—try gouda, Monterey jack, or gruyère for variety. The beauty of this Four Cheese Baked Macaroni is its adaptability, and experimenting with new combos can yield delicious results!
How can I make it spicier?
If you crave a little heat, stir a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños into the sauce before baking. You can also top with sliced fresh chiles or a few shakes of hot sauce when serving to fire things up.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time since it will be cold going into the oven.
Is Four Cheese Baked Macaroni vegetarian?
It is vegetarian-friendly as written—no meat (or hidden animal products) needed! Just double check your cheeses, since some brands use animal-based rennet. Look for labels marked “vegetarian” if this is important to you.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, ultra-comforting dish, Four Cheese Baked Macaroni is truly the stuff of dinnertime dreams. With its velvety sauce, golden topping, and rich, cheesy flavor, it’s bound to become your new favorite—whether for holidays, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with everything we love about comfort food. You deserve every bite!
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Four Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Four Cheese Baked Macaroni recipe. Creamy and cheesy, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Macaroni:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Topping:
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni: Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Simmer and thicken, then stir in seasonings and cheeses until melted.
- Combine macaroni and cheese sauce: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into baking dish.
- Add topping and bake: Combine breadcrumbs with olive oil, sprinkle over the macaroni, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors.
- For a spicy twist, consider adding cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
