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Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Instructions
1
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt.
3
Using a cheese grater or food processor fitted with a grating attachment, grate the Cheddar, Gruyere or Swiss, and Gouda cheeses. Set aside.
4
Cut the cream cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
5
Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
6
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
7
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
8
Once melted, add the flour. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Continue whisking until the roux turns slightly golden and begins to smell toasty, 1-2 minutes.
9
Slowly stream the milk into the pot while continuing to whisk. Cook, whisking steadily, until it begins to thicken and bubble, 4-5 minutes.
10
Once bubbling, turn off the heat. Add the mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
11
Add the cheeses to the pot one handful at a time, whisking slowly after each addition.
12
Once the sauce is smooth, add the drained pasta noodles to the pot. Stir to combine.
13
Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish.
14
Place the crackers in a plastic bag and crush them to the consistency of coarse sand using a rolling pin. Transfer the cracker crumbs to a large bowl.
15
Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until butter is melted, about 30 seconds. Pour the melted butter over the cracker crumbs. Mix with a fork until they are evenly moistened.
16
Sprinkle the cracker crumbs in an even layer over the pasta.
17
Bake the mac and cheese on middle rack of oven until edges are bubbling and top is slightly browned, 25-28 minutes.
18
Check to see that mac and cheese is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
19
Allow macaroni and cheese to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Temper Your Cheeses 🧀Add cream cheese and shredded cheeses off heat or at very low temperatures to prevent them from becoming grainy or separating; stir constantly until smooth and creamy.
- Make a Perfect Roux Base 🥄Cook butter and flour together for 1-2 minutes while stirring before adding milk to eliminate any raw flour taste and create a silky, lump-free sauce foundation.
- Toast Your Cracker Topping 🔆Toss buttered cracker crumbs with a little mustard powder and black pepper, then bake separately for 5 minutes before topping the mac and cheese to ensure they stay crispy instead of soggy.
- Salt the Pasta Water Properly 🌊Use generously salted pasta water (like the sea) to properly season the elbow macaroni from within, reducing the need for excess salt in the cheese sauce itself.
- Blend Your Cheeses Strategically 🎯Layer sharp cheddar with milder Gouda and Gruyere to balance bold flavor with creamy texture; the combination creates complexity that single-cheese versions cannot achieve.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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