Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, cheesy casserole straight out of the oven, and this Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake is my go-to dish for family dinners and potlucks. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor from a blend of four different cheeses that melt together beautifully.

I made this recipe one rainy Sunday afternoon, and it instantly became a family favorite. The golden, bubbly crust paired with the gooey, cheesy center is simply irresistible. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it’s always the first thing to disappear from the table.

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is for you!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I make this macaroni bake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What types of cheese work best in this recipe?
A: I recommend using sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan for the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. Feel free to swap in other favorites like Fontina or Gouda.

Q: Can I freeze this macaroni bake?
A: Absolutely! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

Q: How do I keep the sauce from becoming grainy?
A: Be sure to melt the cheese over low heat and stir constantly. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: It pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness.

What You Need to Make Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

How to Make Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the warmed milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
3. Add the Cheese: Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère, stirring until smooth.
4. Combine and Assemble: Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Add the Topping: Mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni.
6. Bake and Serve: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stop boiling the macaroni when it’s just al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra crunch, mix crushed Ritz crackers into the breadcrumb topping.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.
• Make It Your Own: Stir in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and variety.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for Thanksgiving, and it was the highlight of the meal! Creamy, cheesy, and that crispy topping—so good!” – Rachel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I added bacon and a bit of cayenne, and it was incredible. Everyone asked for the recipe!” – James

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Super easy to make, and the cheese sauce came out perfectly smooth. Definitely a keeper!” – Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The Gruyère adds such a nice flavor. My kids said it was the best macaroni they’ve ever had.” – Amanda

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I prepped this the night before, and it baked up beautifully the next day. Perfect for entertaining!” – Laura

Printable Recipe

Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake is rich, creamy, and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a side dish or main course, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Print

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup heavy cream, warmed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

• Boil the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually add the warmed milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.

Add the Cheese:

• Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Slowly add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère, stirring until smooth.

Combine and Assemble:

• Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Add the Topping:

• Mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Bake and Serve:

• Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Did you love this Four-Cheese Macaroni Bake as much as we did? Share it with your friends and family on social media so they can enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness too!

Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to win hearts. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos—I’d love to see how your bake turned out!