Description
A creamy and indulgent Four Cheese Baked Macaroni featuring a rich blend of cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Velveeta cheeses baked to golden perfection with optional crunchy breadcrumbs topping. This comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and has a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Seasoning: Stir in the grated cheddar, mozzarella, Velveeta, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and combined. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a balanced flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top to add a crispy texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the cheese is perfectly melted and the topping crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- The breadcrumbs topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch.
- For extra creaminess, you can substitute part of the milk with half-and-half.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor results.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushiness.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead; bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
