Creamy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

Satisfy your cravings with this easy and decadent Four Cheese Mac and Cheese. The mouthwatering combination of cheeses creates the best cheesy recipe to serve as a main dish on a busy weeknight or as a classic side for your next gathering.

about this four cheese mac and cheese

This is the best mac and cheese recipe I’ve ever made in my life.

And I do not say that lightly, because there are a lot of mac and cheese recipes out there.

To me, the perfect mac and cheese is creamy, with a golden brown cheesy topping, and just the right touch of garlic and spices to give the dish added depth.

This recipe has it all, including the creamiest sauce EVER. It’s the kind of recipe that you look forward to making for the holidays. The one that everyone can’t stop eating and that tastes even better when it is leftover the next day or two.

We’re talking about a mac and cheese that’s leveled up with not one, not two, but four different cheeses. Each cheese brings something special to the party: sharp cheddar for that classic flavor, white cheddar for added flavor, creamy Gruyère for depth, and light mozzarella for the best texture possible. Together, they create a creamy cheese sauce that’s rich, complex, and utterly irresistible.

It’s the kind of mac and cheese that sticks to your fork and stretches as you lift it to your mouth – pure cheesy bliss. This recipe is comfort food at its best, but it’s also versatile enough to dress up for company. You can serve it as a decadent side dish at your next gathering, or make it ahead of time so you can have an easy comfort food dinner any night of the week.

ingredients

pasta. For mac and cheese, we always reach for elbow macaroni. However, you could also use another short pasta like cavatappi, penne, fusilli, or conchiglie.

butter. Unsalted butter is preferred for this recipe. If you want to use salted butter, halve the amount of salt called for in the recipe.

garlic. Grab a jar of minced garlic to make your cooking prep that much easier! It’s worth the cost to me to avoid smelly hands and the hassle of peeling garlic.

flour. All you need for this recipe is all-purpose flour.

stock. We like to use chicken stock, but if you prefer to make the recipe vegetarian, you can use vegetable stock.

cream. For the creamiest mac and cheese, use heavy whipping cream! You can also use whole milk.

spices and herbs. The spice mix for this pasta recipe is a combination of dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

cheeses. Our ideal combination is white cheddar cheese, gouda cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. For more ideas for what cheeses to use, see the FAQs section below.

this recipe’s must-haves

To make this recipe you will need a large saucepan and a large pot like a Dutch oven. You’ll also need a long wooden spoon and a whisk.

We like to bake this mac and cheese in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

here’s how to make four cheese mac and cheese

cook the noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni, cooking until al dente according to the instructions on the package.

Drain and add to a large bowl. Set aside.

make the sauce

In a separate large pot, add butter and garlic, melting the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour until well combined.

Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cram. Whisk until well combined.

Stir in oregano, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add all four cheeses, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

assemble

Add the sauce to the macaroni, folding together until combined.

Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with extra grated white cheddar cheese.

bake

Bake for 25 minutes at 350˚F until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Serve warm.

tips and tricks

finely grate the cheese. If you can grate the cheese yourself, make sure that you finely grate it for more even melting. It will also melt faster if you do this.

make sure all the cheese melts. The cheese should be fully melted before you add the noodles to the sauce. If it isn’t melted, increase the heat and keep stirring until it does. Note that a few lumps are ok! Don’t stress TOO much about it.

variations

make it spicy. Want a spicy mac and cheese? Add a couple of diced jalapenos to the recipe!

add protein. This macaroni and cheese is really delicious with the addition of shredded chicken, shredded pork, or crispy chopped bacon.

More cheesy pasta dishes to try out: Cheesy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake | Jalapeno Havarti Mac and Cheese | Instant Pot Mac and Cheese | Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

can you use any cheese for mac and cheese?

While you can use a lot of different cheeses in mac and cheese, not every single cheese works in the recipe. For this recipe, we use a combination of white cheddar cheese, gouda, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella.

You can also use muenster, fontina, havarti, or monterey jack. Brie is another option, but you will need to remove the rind before mixing it into the recipe.

what kind of milk is best for mac and cheese?

We like to use heavy whipping cream for this recipe because it makes the creamiest and richest macaroni and cheese. If you don’t want to use heavy cream, you can also use whole milk.

can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made ahead of time! Assemble the mac and cheese up until it is ready to bake. Instead of baking, cover the casserole dish with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let the baking dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake according to the instructions in the recipe card.

can four cheese mac and cheese be frozen?

You can freeze this mac and cheese which makes it an awesome option for meal prep or holiday planning! Assemble the mac and cheese as instructed in the recipe. Once assembled, instead of baking, wrap the casserole dish (we like to use disposable aluminum baking pans for this!) in a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 4 to 5 months.

Need some inspiration for side dishes? Check out my side dish recipes page!

what to serve with four cheese macaroni and cheese

Four cheese mac and cheese is a classic side dish that can pair with all of your favorite main dishes. We love to make this recipe for holiday meals every single year because it goes over so well with both adults and the kiddos! It’s also a savior for meal prep during busier seasons – especially if you freeze it to use on a busy weeknight.

Here’s some of our favorite main dishes to pair with this side dish:

Our roasted chicken with white wine and herbs is the easy way to make roasted chicken without taking up to much time.

For a holiday meal, make a smoked beer brined turkey! It’s the most flavorful and moist turkey you’ll ever make.

Fire up the grill for bbq apple cider traeger ribs – meaty, juicy, and messy, just the way ribs should be.

For more side dishes to add to your spread, check out the recipes listed just above the recipe card below.

how to store

Store. Cool the leftovers to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The leftovers will last for up to 3 days.

Reheat. You can either reheat this dish in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freeze. Assemble the mac and cheese in the casserole dish (a disposable one is preferred so you don’t lose a casserole to the freezer for months!). Wrap tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 4 to 5 months.

Thaw. Thaw the mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight. Let the thawed mac and cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as instructed.

more classic side dish recipes

Made with roasted garlic and parmesan, these instant pot mashed potatoes are the easiest potatoes to make!

Honey roasted carrots and parsnips are a simple and tasty side to pair with any meal.

Fluffy sweet potato souffle is rich, creamy, and topped with a classic crunchy pecan topping.

Finally, if you make this four cheese mac and cheese recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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