Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese Bake

There is nothing quite like a bubbling dish of Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese Bake to bring comfort to your dinner table. This American classic is elevated by a decadent blend of sharp cheddar, creamy Gouda, stretchy mozzarella, and a hint of bold blue cheese. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy panko topping, it is a rich and savory meal that is surprisingly simple to prepare.

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The secret to this luxurious bake lies in the homemade cheese sauce. By whisking milk into a golden roux and melting the four distinct cheeses until smooth, you create a velvety coating for the pasta. A touch of nutmeg and Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sharpness of the cheddar and the creaminess of the Gouda.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni or short pasta
• Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk; 100 g (1 cup) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 80 g (3/4 cup) Gouda cheese, shredded; 80 g (3/4 cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded; 40 g (1/3 cup) blue cheese, crumbled; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Topping: 40 g (1/2 cup) panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 30 g (1/4 cup) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish.

Step 2

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 5

Lower heat and add cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella, and blue cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard if using.

Step 6

Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix panko with melted butter. Sprinkle over the pasta, then top with remaining cheddar.

Step 9

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This resting period lets the sauce thicken slightly, ensuring it coats the pasta perfectly when served.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a milder flavor, you can swap the blue cheese for extra sharp cheddar. To add more texture, consider stirring in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms before pouring the mixture into the baking dish.

Serviervorschläge

This rich and decadent dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to balance the creaminess. A glass of Chardonnay also makes an excellent accompaniment to the four-cheese blend.

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Whether served as a holiday side or a cozy weeknight main, this Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese Bake is sure to satisfy any comfort food craving. Enjoy the gooey cheese and crispy topping of this ultimate pasta dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the pasta type?

Yes, elbow macaroni is traditional, but other short pasta shapes like penne or shells work well and hold the sauce nicely.

→ How do I prevent the bake from drying out?

Ensure the cheese sauce is creamy and pour evenly over the pasta. Baking just until golden and bubbly helps retain moisture.

→ What can I use instead of blue cheese?

For a milder taste, replace blue cheese with extra sharp cheddar or another favorite cheese variety you prefer.

→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking cold.

→ What does the Dijon mustard add?

It adds subtle tang and depth, enhancing the overall flavor balance without overpowering the cheese blend.