Four Cheese Mac and Cheese is a warm, creamy dish that brings comfort to any meal. With a blend of four delicious cheeses, it’s a crowd-pleaser and a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. This easy recipe gives you all the cheesiness you crave without the fuss.
Why make this recipe
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Adding four different cheeses takes this classic dish to the next level. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s made in a slow cooker, allowing you to prepare it with minimal effort. Just mix everything together, and let the slow cooker do the work while you relax or prepare other parts of your meal!
How to prepare Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
Preparing Four Cheese Mac and Cheese is simple and straightforward. With just a few steps, you can have a creamy, cheesy dish ready in no time. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create a comforting bowl of goodness!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a slow cooker, combine butter and flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
- Add all cheeses, salt, and pepper, and stir until melted and combined.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions, then drain.
- Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through and creamy.
How to serve Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
Serve Four Cheese Mac and Cheese hot, straight from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. For a touch of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped parsley or extra cheese on top before serving.
How to store Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
Tips to make Four Cheese Mac and Cheese perfectly
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can affect creaminess. Shred your cheese for the best results.
- Don’t skip the roux: This step helps create a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Taste as you go: Adjust the salt and pepper to make the dish perfect for your palate.
Variations
You can easily customize your Four Cheese Mac and Cheese!
- Add crispy bacon or ham for a meaty touch.
- Mix in vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients.
- For a spicy kick, toss in some jalapeños or hot sauce.
FAQ
1. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! You can mix and match cheeses based on your preferences. Just remember to include a mix of both hard and soft cheeses for a good texture.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Just mix in the cooked macaroni and heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
3. Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure to use a gluten-free flour for the roux.
Now you have everything you need to whip up a delicious batch of Four Cheese Mac and Cheese. Enjoy!
Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
A warm, creamy dish with a blend of four delicious cheeses, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine butter and flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
- Add all cheeses, salt, and pepper, and stir until melted and combined.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions, then drain.
- Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through and creamy.
Notes
Serve hot with a green salad or garlic bread. For added color, sprinkle chopped parsley or extra cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food