Are you ready to experience the most decadent, mind-blowingly creamy mac and cheese that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy? This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe - this is a four-cheese symphony of flavor that transforms the classic comfort food into a gourmet masterpiece. Imagine a dish so rich, so creamy, and so irresistibly cheesy that it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds (and thirds)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your mac and cheese bakes evenly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken your cheese sauce.
- Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the milk mixture, stirring to combine. Then, gradually add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, blue cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure all the pasta is coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- If desired, you can top the mac and cheese with additional cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Four Cheese Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese!
Tips
- Always use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and a more consistent sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Whisk continuously when making the roux to prevent lumps in your cheese sauce.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, but keep the total cheese quantity consistent.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set slightly.
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to your cheese sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 730kcal
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 77mg
