✨ A Short, Perfect Introduction
This Four Cheese Baked Macaroni is creamy, crispy, and completely addictive! 🍝✨ Loaded with melty cheeses and baked to golden perfection, it’s the kind of dish that gets devoured at potlucks, family dinners, or when you’re simply craving a warm bowl of cheesy happiness.
📋 Prep Time: 15 minutes
❄️ Chill Time: None
⏱️ Total Time: 45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6
🔥 Calories per Serving: 480 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
- 🍝 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- 🧈 4 tbsp butter
- 🌾 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 🥛 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 🍶 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 🧂 Salt & pepper to taste
- 🧀 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 🧀 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 🧀 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 🧀 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 🍞 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 🧈 1 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumb topping)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Boil elbow macaroni 🍝 in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Roux:
In a large saucepan, melt butter 🧈 over medium heat. Whisk in flour 🌾 and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
3️⃣ Add the Milk & Cream:
Slowly whisk in milk 🥛 and cream 🍶. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Melt the Cheese:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in all four cheeses 🧀 a handful at a time until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5️⃣ Combine Pasta & Sauce:
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat every noodle. Pour into a greased baking dish.
6️⃣ Optional Topping:
Mix panko 🍞 with melted butter 🧈 and sprinkle over the top for a crispy finish.
7️⃣ Bake:
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. 🔥
8️⃣ Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy that epic cheese pull! 🧀✨
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Four dreamy cheeses = max flavor! 🧀
- Crispy topping meets creamy center — texture heaven 😍
- Comfort food at its best, ready in under an hour! ⏱️
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in! 🛋️
🔥 Helpful Tips
- Swap in gouda, fontina, or pepper jack to mix it up!
- Add cooked bacon 🥓 or sautéed garlic 🌿 for extra depth.
- Don’t overbake — just until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce! 💧
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