Ultra Creamy Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ultra Creamy Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake! This rich and cheesy dish blends the sharp bite of cheddar with the smoothness of Velveeta, creating a luscious sauce that envelops each perfectly cooked pasta shell. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a sprinkle of shaved parmesan, this macaroni and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next family dinner or gathering. With multiple cheese varieties mingling in every creamy bite, it's no wonder my in-laws couldn't get enough of it!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sharp cheddar cheese
12 ounces (grated)
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (grated)
Velveeta cheese
16 ounces (cubed)
shaved parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons
medium pasta shells
16 ounces (cooked)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon
light cream
2 cups
milk
2 cups (fat-free (or your choice))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3
Once melted, slowly whisk in the flour until you achieve a smooth and thick roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.
4
Stir in the salt, pepper, and minced garlic, and blend until fully incorporated.
5
Gradually whisk in the light cream and milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
6
Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes or until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
7
Reduce the heat to low, and slowly add in the sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and fully combined.
8
Next, incorporate the extra sharp cheddar, followed by the Velveeta, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
9
Remove the cheese sauce from heat, and gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring they are well coated.
10
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 13x9 casserole dish.
11
Sprinkle the top with shaved parmesan cheese for a delicious, crispy finish.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
13
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Protein
100mg
Sodium
33.8mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this macaroni and cheese recipe?
The recipe is called Ultra Creamy Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake.
What four types of cheese are used in this bake?
The four cheeses are sharp cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar, Velveeta, and shaved parmesan.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the macaroni take to bake?
The dish should bake for 25-30 minutes.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Medium pasta shells are recommended.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What is the amount of flour needed for the roux?
You will need 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
What spices are used to season the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
How much light cream is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of light cream.
How much milk is used in this recipe?
You need 2 cups of milk, specifically fat-free or your choice.
How long should you cook the roux?
Cook the flour and butter mixture for about 2 minutes until smooth and thick.
How long does it take for the milk and cream mixture to thicken?
Stir frequently for 8-10 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
In what order should the cheeses be added?
Add the sharp cheddar first, then the extra-sharp cheddar, followed by the Velveeta.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 13x9 casserole dish is recommended.
What provides the crispy finish on top?
Two tablespoons of shaved parmesan cheese sprinkled on top provide the finish.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 12.5g of protein.
What is the sodium content?
The sodium content is 100mg.
How much cholesterol is in this macaroni bake?
There is 33.8mg of cholesterol per serving.
How much sharp cheddar cheese do I need?
You need 12 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
How much extra-sharp cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
How much Velveeta cheese is used?
You will need 16 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese.
Should the pasta be cooked before adding it to the sauce?
Yes, the instructions state to fold in 16 ounces of cooked pasta shells.
Is minced garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use fat-free milk or any milk of your choice.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Do you need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, the mixture should be transferred into a greased 13x9 casserole dish.
Should the macaroni bake cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool slightly before serving for the best experience.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include macaroni and cheese, comfort food, cheesy bake, and family recipe.