If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm, cheesy hug straight from the oven, look no further than this Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, gooey, and crunchy with a rich blend of Havarti, Parmesan, and two kinds of cheddar cheeses that melt together beautifully. This dish transforms simple pasta into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’s perfect for cozy nights, festive gatherings, or anytime you want to impress your taste buds with cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe comes from a handful of kitchen staples that are easy to find but indispensable for creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter and rich cheeses to the crispy topping, each ingredient plays a vital role in making every bite irresistible.
- 1 lb pasta: Choose a sturdy shape like elbow macaroni to hold onto all that luscious cheese sauce.
- 3/4 stick of butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux for the cheese sauce.
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to silky, creamy perfection.
- 2 cups milk: Provides the creamy base for the sauce without overpowering the cheese flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings extra richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness.
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 4 oz Havarti cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully with a mild, buttery flavor.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan: Sharp and nutty, it intensifies the cheese blend.
- 8 oz cheddar cheese (shredded): Classic melty cheddar gives body and tang.
- 8 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds bold, zesty flavor for depth.
- TOPPING:
- 3 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese: Enriches the crispy topping with nutty flavor.
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs: Creates a satisfyingly crunchy crust.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil: Helps the topping crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking. Cook the pasta according to the package directions so it’s perfectly al dente—firm but tender—because it will soften a bit more during baking. Once cooked, drain and set the pasta aside while you move on to making the cheese sauce and crunchy topping.
Step 2: Make the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and olive oil. Stir well so that the olive oil evenly coats the crumbs, which will help them brown beautifully and develop a crisp, flavorful finish once baked. Set this topping mixture aside while you prepare the creamy cheese sauce.
Step 3: Create the Four Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to keep the sauce lump-free and creamy. Add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and stir to distribute those flavors. When the sauce is warm, start folding in half of the cheese mix—Havarti, Parmesan, cheddar, and extra sharp cheddar—until melted and smooth. Then add the remaining cheese and whisk until fully melted into a rich, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Transfer the drained pasta into an ungreased 2-quart baking dish. Pour the luscious four cheese sauce over the pasta, gently stirring to evenly coat every noodle with cheesy goodness. Sprinkle the prepared panko topping all over the surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and cheese is bubbling with delight. Let it cool just a bit before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of ooey-gooey and crunchy.
How to Serve Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe from comforting to gourmet. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of freshness and color. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of truffle oil or a pinch of smoked paprika adds an exciting twist to each bite.
Side Dishes
This cheesy masterpiece pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides that cut through the richness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a bright coleslaw all complement the creamy, cheesy pasta without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins topped with mini sprigs of herbs. Another great idea is layering it in a casserole dish with a crumbly topping and broiling for an extra golden crust. You could even try rolling spoonfuls into muffin tins for cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese cups—perfect for parties and easy snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors even deepen after resting overnight.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the mac and cheese but do not bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding a bit more time to the baking process until it’s hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent the top from burning, for about 15-20 minutes. For quick reheating, you can also microwave single servings, stirring halfway through to maintain that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in the Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Though this recipe shines with Havarti, Parmesan, and two types of cheddar, you can experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina for different flavor profiles. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?
While heavy cream adds richness and creaminess, you can substitute with all milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly less velvety but still delicious.
How do I make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?
Mixing olive oil with the panko crumbs helps them brown nicely in the oven. Using fresh panko instead of seasoned or stale crumbs also makes a big difference for a light, crisp topping.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Just ensure your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free or use crushed gluten-free crackers instead.
What can I do if my cheese sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk or cream and whisk until smooth. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer on the stove to thicken, or add a little more flour to your roux at the start next time to help it thicken up better.
Final Thoughts
This Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is truly a celebration of comfort and flavor. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a perfectly crunchy crust that makes every bite so satisfying. If you’re ready to indulge in a timeless classic that never fails to bring smiles and warmth, this recipe is waiting for you. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your favorite go-to dishes to share with friends and family!
Print
Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Four Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food classic, featuring a blend of Havarti, Parmesan, cheddar, and extra sharp cheddar cheeses. The dish is baked to perfection with a crispy panko and Parmesan topping, creating a delightful combination of creamy pasta and crunchy golden crust. Perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 lb pasta
- 3/4 stick butter (about 6 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz Havarti cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Topping
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Set aside a 2-quart baking dish so it’s ready for assembling the dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, and olive oil. Stir well to combine and set aside to develop flavor and texture for the topping.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add salt, pepper, and minced garlic. When the mixture is warm, add half of the shredded cheeses and whisk occasionally until they melt completely. Then add the remaining cheese and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the cooked pasta in the un-greased 2-quart baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle the prepared panko breadcrumb topping evenly over the cheese sauce. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is lightly browned and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy topping.
Notes
- For best results, cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- You can substitute the Havarti cheese with Gruyère or Mozzarella if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder in the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
