Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Macaroni and 4 Cheeses recipe. Featuring a luxurious blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, tangy Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella, every bite is packed with velvety, cheesy perfection. A golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping elevates this baked mac and cheese to an irresistible level. The creamy cheese sauce, made from a base of whole milk, heavy cream, and a touch of ground mustard, perfectly coats tender elbow macaroni, creating a dish that's both decadent and satisfying. Ready in just 45 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Gather your ingredients and bake up this unforgettable classic that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
Gradually add the milk and cream to the saucepan, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and ground mustard. Lower the heat and add the cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Mix well, then evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy macaroni and 4 cheeses!
Serving size | 1962.8 grams (1962.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 5336 |
Total Fat 297.50g | 381% |
Saturated Fat 160.00g | 800% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g | |
Cholesterol 820mg | 273% |
Sodium 5970mg | 260% |
Total Carbohydrate 445.10g | 162% |
Dietary Fiber 18.80g | 67% |
Total Sugars 56.90g | |
Protein 198.20g | 396% |
Vitamin D 370IU | 1851% |
Calcium 4059mg | 312% |
Iron 22mg | 121% |
Potassium 1430mg | 30% |
Source of Calories