Best 12 Macaroni With 4 Cheeses Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary delight with our exquisite macaroni and 4 cheese recipes, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dish features a medley of four distinct cheeses, each contributing its unique charm to create a harmonious blend. From the sharp and nutty flavor of cheddar to the smooth and creamy texture of mozzarella, the tangy zest of Parmesan, and the rich, earthy notes of Gruyère, these cheeses unite to deliver an unforgettable taste experience. Explore our diverse collection of recipes, ranging from the classic baked macaroni and cheese, where a golden-brown crust meets a gooey, cheesy interior, to innovative variations that incorporate unique ingredients and cooking techniques. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or a modern twist, our recipes cater to every palate, ensuring a satisfying and memorable meal.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MAC AND FOUR CHEESES



Mac And Four Cheeses image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound macaroni
Salt
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/2 cup grated fontina
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (chevre)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup grated Romano
Freshly ground black pepper
Minced fresh parsley, as needed

Steps:

  • Cook the macaroni according to the package directions in lightly salted water, leaning toward the al dente side. Do not overcook!
  • Put the cream, butter and garlic clove into a Dutch oven and heat on the stove over low heat. When the cream is hot, add the fontina, goat cheese, Parmesan and Romano.
  • Drain the macaroni (reserving some of the cooking water if needed) and add it to the pot. Stir gently to combine, adding hot macaroni water as needed for consistency. Don't overmix; if there are little clumps of cheese here and there, it's fine! Taste and add about 1/2 teaspoon salt if needed. Add some pepper and minced parsley and stir. Serve immediately.

BEST FOUR-CHEESE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Best Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese image

This is it! Our four-cheese macaroni and cheese recipe is here to make your cheese-filled dreams come true. The classic version of our best macaroni and cheese is absolutely irresistible, but you can also customize it with our four different flavor variations including butternut squash, truffle oil, and more.

Provided by Julie Miltenberger

Time 37m

Number Of Ingredients 15

Nonstick cooking spray
1 16 ounce package dried cavatappi or corkscrew-shape pasta
3 tablespoon unsalted butter
0.333 cup finely chopped onion (1 small)
3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2.5 cup milk
8 ounce Gouda cheese, shredded* (2 cups)
4 ounce sharp cheddar cheese, shredded* (1 cup)
4 ounce Swiss cheese, shredded* (1 cup)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted
0.5 cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
Snipped fresh parsley (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat broiler. Coat a 2 1/2- to 3-quart broiler-safe au gratin or baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.** Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and return to the warm pot.
  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan melt the 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir for 3 minutes. Stir in flour, kosher salt, and pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Cook and whisk for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat.
  • Add Gouda cheese, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, whisking until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth. Add the cheese sauce to cooked pasta; stir to coat. Transfer mixture to prepared dish.
  • In a small microwave-safe bowl melt the 1 teaspoon butter. Stir in panko and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle panko mixture over pasta mixture. Broil 5 to 6 inches from the heat about 2 minutes or until top is browned. If desired, garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 739 kcal, Carbohydrate 72 g, Cholesterol 111 mg, Protein 36 g, SaturatedFat 20 g, Sodium 858 mg, Sugar 9 g, Fat 34 g, ServingSize about 9 1/2 cups, UnsaturatedFat 10 g

FOUR CHEESE MACARONI CASSEROLE



Four Cheese Macaroni Casserole image

This casserole is quick and easy but full of flavor. Both children and adults love it!

Provided by MSDELENA

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups uncooked macaroni
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon basil
salt and pepper to taste
1 ½ cups grated Cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil over high heat. Add macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and pour hot pasta into a casserole dish.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together tomatoes, italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir into the hot pasta 1 cup of Cheddar, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Continue to stir until the cheeses have melted. Then stir in tomato and herb mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 cup Cheddar, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup feta over the top of the casserole.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 511.3 calories, Carbohydrate 47 g, Cholesterol 74.6 mg, Fat 22.8 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Sodium 887.5 mg, Sugar 5.6 g

GOURMET FOUR CHEESE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Gourmet Four Cheese Macaroni and Cheese image

When a recipe is SO good that it haunts your memory for over 40 years, you know it had to be good! As a young bride, I made this macaroni and cheese dish from a requested recipe from Bon Appetit magazine. Sadly, if I saved the recipe, it was lost along the years of moving. After the Internet, I searched, in vain, for this recipe for years, until I discovered 3/4's of it in a women's magazine. With the help of many Zaar members that helped me find the missing cheese that was needed, I now have the long lost recipe and the ability to make it again and again for an entire new generation of friends and family! This is NOT meant to be an everyday mac & cheese. It's great comfort food when you want to celebrate something special: a good grade, a birthday, or an "I love you!" kinda day. Don't skimp on the cheeses; they will be slightly costly. But, the end result is Oh So Good ! You will not be disappointed in the complex flavours of this simple dish, with a twist.

Provided by The_Swedish_Chef

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb rotelle pasta (They look like wagon wheels)
3/4 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I used an aged 5 year old variety)
1/2 lb gruyere cheese, shredded
1/2 cup asiago cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (I used 2%)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese Bread Crumbs)

Steps:

  • PLEASE NOTE: This is a BAKED macaroni and cheese, therefore, it will NOT turn out with a lot of extra cheesy sauce asis absorbed into the pasta while baking. If you require an extra saucy mac & cheese, just reduce the amount of pasta you place into the dish or make more sauce so it is creamier. Thanks so much for making this dish; I hope you enjoy it! :).
  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 3 quart rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling.
  • Toss all the shredded cheeses together in a large bowl, set aside.
  • Melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and slightly bubbly.
  • In a thin stream, whisk in the milk. Stir in the onion powder, salt, nutmeg, dried mustard and cayenne.
  • Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in 2 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture and stir until smooth. Cover to retain the heat.
  • Once water boils, add pasta. Cook until your desired doneness, then drain. In the pasta container, stir together the cooked pasta and cheese sauce.
  • Pour half of the mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with a generous cup of the reserved cheese. Spoon remaining cheese-covered pasta into the dish and top with the remaining cheese.
  • Add 1 cup of Japanese Panko Bread crumbs to the top of mixture.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the Panko crumbs are lightly browned and the cheese is bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.

FOUR-CHEESE MACARONI



Four-Cheese Macaroni image

I adapted this recipe from one a friend gave to me. It has a distinctive blue cheese taste and is very filling. I like to serve it with chicken. -Darlene Marturano, W. Suffield, Connecticut

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 cups 2% milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. , Reduce heat to low; stir in cheeses until melted. Drain macaroni; add to cheese sauce and stir until coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 508 calories, Fat 23g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 603mg sodium, Carbohydrate 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 26g protein.

CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     dinner, lunch, casseroles, pastas, main course, side dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated
12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated
1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko
4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it's barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It's going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
  • Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
  • Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
  • Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 3-quart or 9 x 13 baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1076, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 61 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 46 grams, SaturatedFat 31 grams, Sodium 1027 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 1 gram

MACARONI AND 4 CHEESES



Macaroni and 4 Cheeses image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     main-dish

Time 43m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Nonstick cooking spray
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen pureed winter squash
2 cups 1 percent lowfat milk
4 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (about 1 1/3 cups)
2 ounces Monterrey jack cheese, grated (about 2/3 cup)
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon powdered mustard
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons unseasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk into a large saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until it is defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Cheddar, jack cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper. Pour cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish.
  • Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.

MACARONI CHEESE IN 4 EASY STEPS



Macaroni cheese in 4 easy steps image

A simple step-by-step guide to making a classic supper dish. An old favourite, made with plenty of cheese and a little mustard

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Main course, Supper

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 11

700ml full-fat milk
1 onion, peeled and halved
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 bay leaf
350g macaroni
50g butter, plus a little extra for greasing
50g plain flour
175g mature cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp English mustard
50g parmesan, grated
50g coarse white breadcrumb

Steps:

  • Prepare the pasta: In a small pan, warm the milk, onion, garlic and bay leaf until almost boiling. Remove from the heat, leave covered to infuse for 10 mins, then strain. Cook the macaroni according to pack instructions until just soft, but still with a little bite (this is called al dente in Italian). This will take about 10 mins. Drain in a colander, then run under the tap and stir to stop the pasta sticking together.
  • Make a roux: (A roux is simply flour and fat, cooked together, then used to thicken sauces.) Heat oven to 190C/ fan 170C/gas 5 and butter a 25 x 18cm ovenproof dish. Melt the butter in the medium pan. When foaming, add the flour, then cook, stirring constantly, for 1 min on a low heat.
  • Finish the sauce: Slowly stir the warm infused milk into the roux until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 mins, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened and has a coating consistency (run your finger through the sauce on a spoon - it should leave a trail). Remove the pan from the heat, then add the cheddar and mustard powder. Season, then stir until the cheese has melted.
  • Assemble and bake: Mix the cheesesauce through the macaroni to coat it well, then tip into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumbs over the top, then bake for 15-20 mins until golden brown and bubbling. Serve piping hot on its own or with a green salad.
  • EQUIPMENT: 1 small saucepan with lid, 1 large saucepan, 1 medium saucepan, colander, chopping board, sharp knife, grater, wooden spoon, ovenproof dish

Nutrition Facts : Calories 860 calories, Fat 40 grams fat, SaturatedFat 24 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 97 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 13 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 36 grams protein, Sodium 1.72 milligram of sodium

SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE



Southern Macaroni and Cheese image

There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It's adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can't find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place.

Provided by Kiera Wright-Ruiz

Categories     dinner, weeknight, casseroles, noodles, pastas, main course, side dish

Time 45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
4 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar (about 16 ounces)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
2 cups shredded Colby Jack (about 8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
  • Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
  • Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.

SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Simple Macaroni and Cheese image

A very quick and easy fix to a tasty side-dish. Fancy, designer mac and cheese often costs forty or fifty dollars to prepare when you have so many exotic and expensive cheeses, but they aren't always the best tasting. This recipe is cheap and tasty.

Provided by g0dluvsugly

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (8 ounce) box elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Fold macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.2 calories, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 99.6 mg, Fat 33.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.9 g, Sodium 777 mg, Sugar 7.6 g

FOUR-CHEESE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese image

Mascarpone, Brie, cream cheese and Parmesan yield the most velvety macaroni and cheese imaginable. This is perfect for a wintry dinner, with a green salad on the side, or as a partner to a golden roast chicken.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, easy, pastas, main course

Time 45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Unsalted butter, as needed
Kosher salt, as needed
1 pound pasta, such as farfalle, macaroni or shells
6 ounces Brie, rind removed and cheese cut into chunks
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup mascarpone
3 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated ( 3/4 cup)
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon finely grated nutmeg

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 2-quart gratin dish.
  • Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente; drain well.
  • Transfer hot pasta to a large bowl and toss immediately with Brie and cream cheese until melted and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, mascarpone and parmigiano. Stir egg mixture into pasta. Season with pepper and nutmeg.
  • Turn pasta into prepared pan. Bake until golden brown and bubbling, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 600, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 35 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 20 grams, Sodium 603 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

4 CHEESE BAKED MACARONI



4 Cheese Baked Macaroni image

I was looking for another type of macaroni and cheese dish and came across this one from Emeril Lagasse. I haven't made it yet but plan on trying it out on my crew at Thanksgiving. What's not to like about Cream and Cheese - the epitome of comfort food.

Provided by Luby Luby Luby

Categories     Cheese

Time 2h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups half-and-half
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
8 1/2 ounces grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese (about 2 cups)
1 lb elbow macaroni
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
4 ounces grated cheddar cheese
4 ounces grated Fontina cheese
4 ounces grated gruyere cheese
1/4 cup fresh breadcrumb
1/2 teaspoon spice essence (Emeril Lagasse's Essence)

Steps:

  • In a heavy medium saucepan melt 4 tablespoons butter over low heat.
  • Add the flour and stir to combine.
  • Cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the half& half a little at a time.
  • Cook until thickened, about 4 or 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • Remove from heat, season with salt, pepper, hot sauce and 4 ounces of the grated parmesean cheese.
  • Stir until the cheese melts and is smooth.
  • Cover and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Fill a large pot with water, cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Add salt to taste and add the macaroni, stirring.
  • Return to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes or until very al dente (slightly undercooked).
  • Drain in a colander and return the macaroni to the pot.
  • Add 2 tablespoons butter and the garlic and stir to combine.
  • Add the white sauce and stir until well mixed then set aside.
  • Using the remaining tablespoon of butter, grease a 3 quart casserole or baking dish and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine 4 ounces of the remaining parmesean cheese, cheddar, fontina and gruyere cheeses, tossing to combine.
  • Place 1/3 of the macaroni in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
  • Top with 1/3 of the mixed cheeses.
  • Top with another 1/3 of the macaroni and another 1/3 of the cheese mixture.
  • Repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture.
  • In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs, the remaining 1/2 ounce of grated parmesean cheese and the Essence.
  • Sprinkle this over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and hot and the top is golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta. Macaroni is a classic choice for this dish, but you can also use penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta shape.
  • Use high-quality cheese. The quality of the cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. Look for cheeses that are flavorful and have a good melting texture.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. Al dente pasta is slightly firm to the bite. This will help it hold its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy when you add the cheese sauce.
  • Make the cheese sauce ahead of time. This will give the flavors time to meld and develop. You can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
  • Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. This recipe uses four different types of cheese to create a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a delicious macaroni and cheese that will be a hit with your family and friends.

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