Description
This Four Cheese Baked Macaroni recipe is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gorgonzola cheeses baked to bubbly perfection with a golden crunchy panko topping. Perfect as a hearty main course, this classic American favorite delivers rich cheesy flavors balanced with a smooth béchamel sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola or blue cheese
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux without browning.
- Prepare cheese sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Melt cheeses: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheeses until fully melted and smooth, forming a luscious cheese sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat every piece evenly with the cheesy mixture.
- Assemble in baking dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Add crunchy topping: If desired, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the topping turns golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked macaroni rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning and enhanced flavor melding.
Notes
- Feel free to swap in cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina to customize the flavor profile.
- A pinch of nutmeg added to the sauce can elevate its richness and add warmth.
- The panko breadcrumb topping adds a wonderful crunch but can be omitted if you prefer a creamier, softer texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
