Appetizers, Family Recipes by Revolution Barbecue, Recipes, Sides
Ultimate Smoky Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy Comfort Elevated!
Comfort reigns supreme with this recipe and every bite is a journey back to the heart of home. Introducing our Smoky Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese—a dish that transcends mere sustenance to become a cherished family tradition. In our household, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the ritual of gathering on a lazy weekend night, curling up on the couch with heaping plates of creamy mac and cheese, and losing ourselves in the magic of a movie marathon. Each forkful is a symphony of flavors, from the smoky notes dancing on the palate to the decadent richness of four perfectly melted cheeses. But the real beauty lies in its versatility; with every batch, you have the opportunity to play with different cheese combinations, making each rendition uniquely yours. So, whether you’re seeking solace on a rainy day or simply craving a taste of home, let our Smoky Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese be your delicious escape—a culinary journey that promises warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of cheesy goodness. Recipe by Glenn Connaughton. Read more about Glenn here.
Smoky Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
- 6 cups water
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 oz colby jack cheese shredded
- 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese shredded
- 12 slices American cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese cubed and room temperature
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter an 8 by 11 or 9 by 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Boil water in a large stockpot or dutch oven. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just under al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Mix half and half, heavy cream, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the colby jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, American cheese slices, and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Season with smoked paprika, granulated garlic, granulated onion, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Taste to adjust seasoning.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and eggs until well combined with the cheese mixture.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top generously with the remaining cheddar cheese and colby jack cheese. Sprinkle with additional smoked paprika if desired.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the cheese crust is bubbly and nicely browned.
- Cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot and creamy!