Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy Four Cheese Macaroni Casserole recipe. Made with a variety of delicious cheeses and topped with a golden bread crumb crust, this casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering. The combination of Cheddar, Gouda, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With a simple preparation and cooking time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this mouthwatering macaroni casserole in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shredded Cheddar, Gouda, Mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, reserving a small amount of each for topping.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to combine.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the reserved shredded cheeses and bread crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni in the casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Macaroni and cheese is a popular comfort food dish in the United States.
The origins of macaroni and cheese can be traced back to Italy, where it was a simple pasta dish made with Parmesan cheese.
President Thomas Jefferson is said to have introduced macaroni and cheese to the United States after tasting it in Europe.
In the early 1800s, macaroni and cheese became popular in America, especially among the working class.
The addition of multiple cheeses in this recipe enhances the flavor and creates a deliciously creamy texture.