Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food classic that’s guaranteed to satisfy every cheesy craving: Four Cheese Baked Macaroni! This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a decadent, rich, and incredibly creamy dish featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni smothered in a luscious sauce made with not one, not two, but four glorious cheeses, including that magic ingredient, Velveeta. Topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust (optional but highly recommended!), it’s a pure celebration of cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a hearty, soul-warming meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

Baked macaroni and cheese holds a special place in my heart, and this Four Cheese Baked Macaroni takes it to legendary status. What I love most about it is the incredible creaminess and depth of flavor achieved by combining four different cheeses. The Velveeta melts into an unbelievably smooth base, while the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan add layers of tang, stretch, and savory richness. It’s a symphony of cheesy textures that is utterly irresistible.

It’s also incredibly satisfying and straightforward to make. Building the sauce with a simple roux ensures a consistently creamy result, and the final bake in the oven creates that perfect golden crust that everyone fights over. This recipe is a fantastic crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a gathering, guaranteeing rave reviews every time. It’s comfort food perfected!

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping, Panko or plain)

Swaps and Notes

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic for mac and cheese, but any small to medium pasta shape like rotini (as in my Cheesy Velveeta Rotini), penne, or cavatappi would work.
• Butter & Flour: These create the roux, the thickening base for the cheese sauce. Unsalted butter is preferred.
• Milk: Whole milk will yield the richest, creamiest sauce.
• Cheeses:
  • Cheddar: Provides classic sharp flavor.
  • Mozzarella: Adds stretch and mildness.
  • Parmesan: Contributes salty, nutty depth.
  • Velveeta: This is the key to the ultimate smooth, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. There’s no direct substitute for its unique melting properties. For more Velveeta goodness, check out Cheesy Velveeta Rotini.
• Seasoning: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth to the cheese sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the cheeses are already salty. A pinch of dry mustard powder can enhance the cheesy flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional, but highly recommended for a golden, crispy topping. Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra crunchy crust.

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Instructions:

Making this incredibly cheesy baked macaroni is straightforward and highly rewarding.

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the macaroni thoroughly and set aside.
3. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour with a whisk or wooden spoon. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a light golden roux. This removes the raw flour taste.
4. Whisk in Milk: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups milk into the roux, a little at a time, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and completely free of lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Cheeses & Season: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the 1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Season the cheese sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Combine Macaroni & Sauce: Add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce in the saucepan. Mix well, stirring until every piece of macaroni is thoroughly coated with the luscious four-cheese sauce.
7. Transfer & Top: Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. If using, sprinkle the 1/2 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni is heated through, the cheese is bubbly, and the top (if using breadcrumbs) is golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Four Cheese Baked Macaroni!

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Pro Tip:

For the absolute creamiest sauce, ensure your milk is at room temperature before whisking it into the roux. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smoother, richer sauce. When adding the cheeses, reduce the heat to low or remove the pan from the heat entirely to prevent the cheese from seizing or becoming stringy.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Four Cheese Baked Macaroni is a hearty, complete meal on its own, perfect for feeding a crowd.

• Simple Sides: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness.
• Protein Accompaniment: Serve alongside roasted chicken, ham, or meatloaf for a classic comfort meal.
• Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy goodness.
• Party Food: Makes a fantastic dish for potlucks, game days, or casual gatherings. It pairs well with other cheesy appetizers like This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• Other Cheesy Pastas: If you love incredibly cheesy pasta, you might also enjoy my Cheesy Velveeta Rotini or Creamy Ricotta Beef Stuffed Shells Pasta.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Baked macaroni and cheese makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day!

• Storage: Store any leftover Four Cheese Baked Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until heated through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once completely cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole (if using a freezer-safe dish) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this baked pasta dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:

• For another incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make baked pasta dish, check out my This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
• If you’re a fan of super cheesy and quick pasta options, don’t miss Cheesy Velveeta Rotini.
• For a different take on cheesy dips, consider How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
• And for a classic Italian-American comfort food, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is always a hit.

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Final Thoughts

This Four Cheese Baked Macaroni is a true celebration of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect dish to bring warmth and joy to your table, whether for a family meal or a festive gathering. Dive into this incredibly cheesy and hearty macaroni, and let it become a beloved classic in your home!

What’s your favorite secret ingredient for making mac and cheese extra special? Share your tips in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and heartwarming recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.