Creamy Baked Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

Creamy Baked Four Cheese Mac And Cheese

This Creamy Baked Four Cheese Mac and Cheese is rich, comforting, and irresistibly silky the kind of dish that steals the show at dinners and holidays alike. With four layers of cheese flavor and a perfectly baked finish, it’s indulgent without being fussy. Let me walk you through a foolproof version you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for warmth)

Optional topping:

  • 1/2 cup buttered breadcrumbs for a golden crunch

Steps

  1. Cook the pasta. Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside — it will finish cooking in the oven.
  2. Make the roux. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth and bubbly.
  3. Add the milk. Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until thick and smooth. Don’t worry if it seems thin at first it thickens quickly.
  4. Add the cheeses. Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  5. Season gently. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust this is where the magic happens.
  6. Combine with pasta. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  7. Bake. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Add breadcrumbs if using. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
  8. Rest briefly. Let sit 5–10 minutes so the sauce sets into that perfect creamy texture.

Chef’s Tips

  • Warm milk matters: It prevents lumps and keeps the sauce silky.
  • Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
  • Don’t overbake: You want creamy, not dry bubbly edges are your cue.

Variations

  • Extra creamy: Stir in 2 oz cream cheese with the shredded cheeses.
  • Bacon mac: Add crispy bacon crumbles before baking.
  • Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.