Decadent Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Decadent Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni, a dish that takes you on a nostalgic journey while pleasing your palate with its rich and complex flavors. This gourmet twist on classic macaroni and cheese features four exceptional cheeses: sharp cheddar for depth, creamy gruyere for smoothness, nutty asiago for a surprising bite, and luscious fontina for that unrivaled melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply treating yourself, each creamy bite combined with a golden breadcrumb topping is a celebration of both heart and soul. This isn't just any mac and cheese; it's a memory maker that brings friends and family together around the table. When served, expect compliments that will linger in your memories as sweetly as the dish itself!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotelle pasta
1 lb (Cooked until al dente)
sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 lb (Shredded)
gruyere cheese
1/2 lb (Shredded)
asiago cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
fontina cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (For thickening the sauce)
milk
2 cups (2% milk is recommended)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (Ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
dried mustard
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 3-quart rectangular baking dish with non-stick spray.
2
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotelle pasta until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Drain and return to the pot.
3
While the pasta cooks, combine all the shredded cheeses in a large bowl, mixing well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
4
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbling.
5
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Add onion powder, salt, dried mustard, ground nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture until you have a smooth sauce.
7
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta in the large pot, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
8
Spread half of the cheese-coated pasta into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 1 cup of the reserved cheese blend. Spoon the remaining pasta on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
9
Finally, top with the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer covers the entire surface.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the panko crumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and enticing. Allow to cool slightly before serving and enjoy your decadent creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this macaroni recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni.
What four cheeses are used in this dish?
The four cheeses are sharp cheddar, creamy gruyere, nutty asiago, and luscious fontina.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of rotelle pasta.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required?
A 3-quart rectangular baking dish is required.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
Lightly coat the baking dish with non-stick spray.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the rotelle pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Why should the shredded cheeses be mixed together first?
Mixing the cheeses ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
What is used to thicken the cheese sauce?
All-purpose flour is whisked into the melted butter to thicken the sauce.
What type of milk is recommended for the sauce?
2% milk is recommended for this recipe.
What spices are used to season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with onion powder, salt, dried mustard, ground nutmeg, and ground cayenne pepper.
How long should the milk mixture simmer?
After bringing it to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
How much cheese is added directly into the sauce?
Stir in 2 1/2 cups of the mixed cheese blend until the sauce is smooth.
How do you combine the pasta and the sauce?
Combine them in a large pot and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
How is the pasta layered in the baking dish?
Spread half the pasta, sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese, add the remaining pasta, and top with the rest of the cheese.
What is used for the crunchy topping?
The dish is topped with 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
How long does the macaroni bake?
Bake the dish for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do you know when the dish is done?
It is done when the panko crumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
What does the sharp cheddar cheese add to the flavor?
The sharp cheddar provides depth to the dish.
What is the role of the gruyere cheese?
Gruyere adds a creamy smoothness to the cheese blend.
What flavor characteristics does asiago cheese bring?
Asiago adds a nutty flavor and a surprising bite.
Why is fontina cheese included?
Fontina is used for its unrivaled melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How much sharp cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 lb of shredded sharp cheddar.
How much gruyere cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of shredded gruyere.
How much asiago cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of shredded asiago.
How much fontina cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of shredded fontina.
Is salted or unsalted butter used for the roux?
Unsalted butter is used for the roux.
Should the dish be served immediately after baking?
It is recommended to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet twist perfect for celebrating special occasions or treating yourself.