Ingredients for 4 Cheese Baked Macaroni
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
- 8 1/2 ounces freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- pinch of your favorite seasoning (optional)
- 2 cups heavy cream (optional, as alternative to half-and-half)
- pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
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How to Make 4 Cheese Baked Macaroni
- Melt 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium; gradually whisk in 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened (4-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir in 4 ounces (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce to taste.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain macaroni and return it to the pot. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 2 cloves minced garlic.
- Add the prepared white sauce and stir to combine.
- Grease a 3-quart casserole dish with 1 tablespoon butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining 4 ounces (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese, 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded fontina cheese, and 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Layer 1/3 of the macaroni in the prepared dish, top with 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers twice.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 ounce (2 tablespoons) grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of your favorite seasoning (optional).
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
61 g
Sugar
8g
Fat
163g
Carbs
23g
