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4 Cheese Mac and Cheese

Indulge in this creamy and cheesy four-cheese mac and cheese that elevates comfort food to new heights with a rich blend of sharp cheddar, fontina, American, and blue cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 ounces cavatappi or short pasta A great shape to hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Cheeses
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Adds a robust, tangy flavor and a bright yellow color.
  • 1 cup shredded fontina cheese Offers creamy texture and a slightly nutty taste.
  • 1 cup shredded white American cheese Provides a lovely melt and smoothness to the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese Introduces a bold, funky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Sauce Base
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Essential for starting the sauce and adding richness.
  • 1/4 cup flour Creates a thickening agent for that luscious cheesy sauce.
  • 2 cups milk Enhances creaminess and helps to create a silky texture.
  • 1 cup half and half Adds extra creaminess for indulgent flavor.
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard Provides a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds a warm, savory depth to the cheese sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Brings a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of spice and balances the richness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional; adds a spicy kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
  2. Step 2: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions, drain, and return to the pot.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. Step 3: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour for 1-2 minutes until smooth and thick.
  2. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk and half and half, about ½ cup at a time, until the mixture smooths out.
  3. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously.
  4. Step 6: Let the sauce thicken until it can coat the back of a spoon, then turn the heat to low.
  5. Step 7: Whisk in the salt, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
  6. Step 8: Stir in all the blue cheese and most of the cheddar, fontina, and American cheese, reserving about 1 cup total for topping.
Combining & Baking
  1. Step 9: Pour the cooked noodles into the greased pan and mix in the cheese sauce thoroughly.
  2. Step 10: Top with the reserved cheese.
  3. Step 11: Bake uncovered for 20-22 minutes, until bubbling and the cheese is melted.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded, and if you prefer crispy topping, consider broiling for a few minutes after baking.