Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
I mean…. WHO doesn't like Mac n' Cheese! This creamy four-cheese recipe brings out the best in every cheese. The creaminess and slight tang of the cream cheese, the sharp bite of the cheddar, the stringy pull of the mozzarella acts like glue, and the saltiness of the Romano all work in harmony to create this mouthwatering dish!
- 16 oz Cavatappi, Elbow Macaroni, or your favorite cheese-grabbing pasta shape
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 4 tbsp Flour
- 2 ½ cups Milk, Half n' half, or Cream
- ½ tbsp Dry mustard, or more to your liking
- ¼ tsp Garlic powder
- 6 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 12 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar, shredded
- 6 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- ¾ cups Romano or Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning (reduce the amount or omit if you don't want a little kick)
- Salt
- Pepper (white pepper preferred)
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (10-12 minutes or until it tastes cooked, but still a bit firm). Reserve 1 Cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Do not rinse the pasta.
- 2
While the pasta is cooking, in a large pot or Dutch oven (5 quart) melt butter over medium heat, then add flour, whisk to combine, and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the flour. Whisk in milk, mustard and garlic powders. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 3
Reduce heat to low and whisk in the cream cheese until melted. Whisk in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Romano. Once the cheese is melted fully remove from the heat.
- 4
Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese and stir with a large spoon. Add the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Return to the heat to warm gently.
- 5
It is ideal to serve immediately. If you need to keep it warm, place in a 150-degree oven for up to one hour. Keep pasta water on-hand to use to thin sauce just before serving.
- 6
Serve right from the Dutch oven or place in a warm bowl and eat it up!
NotePulled Pork, BBQ or Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Cornbread, Hot Dogs … Mac n' cheese goes with pretty much everything!
- 2