Include in Print View:

Creamy 4 Cheese Macaroni

Creamy 4 Cheese Macaroni recipe image
This Creamy 4 Cheese Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food, featuring elbow macaroni enveloped in a luxurious sauce made from fontina, sharp cheddar, fresh parmesan, and processed American cheese. The sauce is thickened with a simple roux and low-fat milk, creating a velvety texture that clings perfectly to every noodle. Topped with a crunchy, savory crust of crushed onion-flavored toast and melted margarine, this dish offers a satisfying contrast between the creamy interior and the crisp exterior. It is an ideal weeknight dinner for families or a nostalgic side dish for holiday gatherings. The combination of four distinct cheeses provides a complex, savory flavor profile that is both indulgent and familiar, making it a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Calories: 293.9
Dietary: Low-fat, Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy 4 Cheese Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food, featuring elbow macaroni enveloped in a luxurious sauce made from fontina, sharp cheddar, fresh parmesan, and processed American cheese. The sauce is thickened with a simple roux and low-fat milk, creating a velvety texture that clings perfectly to every noodle. Topped with a crunchy, savory crust of crushed onion-flavored toast and melted margarine, this dish offers a satisfying contrast between the creamy interior and the crisp exterior. It is an ideal weeknight dinner for families or a nostalgic side dish for holiday gatherings. The combination of four distinct cheeses provides a complex, savory flavor profile that is both indulgent and familiar, making it a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup Flour
  • 2 2/3 cup Milk, 1% lowfat
  • 3/4 cup Fontina cheese -- or swiss,
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 375&# 194;°F (190ðC).
  2. 2
    Cook 6 cups of elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. 3
    In a large saucepan, whisk together 1/3 cup flour and 2 2/3 cups milk until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
  4. 4
    Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for about 8 minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste.
  5. 5
    Reduce heat to low. Add 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese, 1/2 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, and 3 ounces of diced processed American cheese (such as Velveeta).
  6. 6
    Stir continuously for about 3 minutes until all cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and homogeneous.
  7. 7
    Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cooked macaroni and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the pasta is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
  8. 8
    Spoon the cheesy macaroni mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
  9. 9
    In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup crushed onion-flavored melba toast with 1 tablespoon softened low-fat margarine. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  10. 10
    Sprinkle the toast-margarine mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni to create a crunchy topping.
  11. 11
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
  12. 12
    Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 293.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17.1g27%
Saturated Fat 10.6g53%
Cholesterol 42.4mg15%
Sodium 208.9mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 24.6g9%
Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugars 8.9g
Protein 10.1g21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: macaroni, cheese, fontina, cheddar, parmesan, american cheese, creamy, comfort food, baked pasta, vegetarian, family dinner, low fat, easy recipe, side dish, melty
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/creamy-4-cheese-macaroni/