Four Cheese Baked Macaroni
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort dish enjoyed by many across the world. Our Four Cheese Baked Macaroni recipe takes this beloved dish to the next level, combining the creamy goodness of cheddar, mozzarella, Velveeta, and Parmesan for an irresistibly rich and cheesy experience. Whether you’re preparing a family meal, hosting a gathering, or just treating yourself, this recipe guarantees an indulgent and satisfying result.
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Ingredients for the Best Four Cheese Baked Macaroni
To achieve the perfect balance of creaminess and cheesiness, we use four different types of cheese. Below is the complete ingredient list:
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Grated cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Grated mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Velveeta cheese (cubed) | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/4 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Breadcrumbs (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Perfect Four Cheese Baked Macaroni
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
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2. Cook the Macaroni to Al Dente
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Continue cooking until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
4. Add the Four Cheeses
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Velveeta cheese.
- Mix well until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
- Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
- Stir thoroughly until every piece of pasta is well-coated.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Toppings
- Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- For added texture, sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs on top (optional but recommended).
7. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy the rich, gooey, and perfectly baked mac and cheese!
