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Crispy Four-Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese

crispy four-cheese baked mac and cheese - featured image
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A comforting baked mac and cheese featuring a crispy golden panko topping and a creamy blend of four cheeses: sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and smoked gouda. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or similar short pasta
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed (720 ml)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded (100 g)
  • 1 cup mozzarella, shredded (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, finely grated (50 g)
  • 1/2 cup smoked gouda, shredded (50 g)
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (60 g)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes until light golden.
  4. Slowly pour in warmed milk, whisking continuously. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and smoked gouda. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until cheeses melt.
  6. Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce and fold gently to coat evenly.
  7. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and paprika until evenly coated.
  8. Pour cheesy pasta into buttered baking dish and spread panko mixture evenly on top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and crunchy. Rotate dish halfway through baking for even browning.
  10. Let mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking. Stir cheese sauce frequently while heating to prevent lumps. Use warm milk to avoid clumps. Undercook pasta slightly as it will cook more in the oven. For gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, four cheese mac and cheese, crispy topping, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/crispy-four-cheese-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/