Smoky Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Smoky Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe. This soul-warming dish combines the creamy goodness of four cheeses—sharp cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, and American—infused with a hint of smoky paprika. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of velvety richness and bold flavors, enhanced by the savory notes of granulated garlic and onion. Baked to golden perfection, this mac and cheese is a symphony of textures, from the gooey cheese crust to the tender elbow macaroni inside. Get ready to delight your taste buds and elevate your comfort food game with every forkful.
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!
Notes
Unleash your creativity with this delectable macaroni and cheese recipe by experimenting with various melting cheese types. Opt for cheeses like fontina, gruyere, or gouda to add depth and richness to your dish. Whether you're craving classic comfort or seeking a gourmet twist, the possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting your perfect cheesy masterpiece. So grab your favorite cheeses and get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game to new heights of deliciousness!
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