Go Back
The Ultimate Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

The Ultimate Four Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

This Ultimate Four Cheese Mac and Cheese features a creamy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gouda cheeses for a rich, satisfying dish. Perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or potlucks, it combines a silky cheese sauce with tender pasta, baked to golden perfection with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Equipment & Appliances
  • Casserole dish
  • Non-stick saucepan
  • Cheese grater
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz. elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 cup gouda cheese shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika optional
  • Panko bread crumbs optional, for topping

Instructions
 

Instructions:

  • Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
  • Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until thickened.
  • Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Combine sauce with pasta and transfer to a casserole dish.
  • Top with panko bread crumbs if desired and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Calories Per Serving:

  • Approx. 500 calories
  • Nutritional Info (per serving):
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 5g

Notes

Recipe Tips
Cheese Quality Matters: For the best results, use freshly shredded cheeses instead of pre-shredded, as they melt more smoothly.
Creaminess Tip: Adding a bit of extra heavy cream or milk when making the cheese sauce ensures a smoother, creamier consistency.
Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder for a little extra kick.
Topping Variations: Consider mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a bit of Parmesan before adding on top for extra crispiness.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain the dish's creamy texture and prevent it from drying out.
Keyword baked mac and cheese, cheese pasta bake, cheesy pasta, comfort food recipes, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, gooey mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, mac and cheese recipe