1lbdried elbow pastaYou could also use fusilli, rotini, or cavatappi.
1/2cupunsalted butter
1/2cupall-purpose flour
1-1/2 cupwhole milk
2-1/2cupshalf-and-half
2cupsgrated extra sharp cheddar cheesedivided and measured after grating
1cupgruyere cheesedivided and measured after grating
1cupasiago cheese
1cupfontina cheese
1/2tbspsalt
1/2tspblack pepper
1/4tsppaprika
Instructions
Gourmet Four Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Set aside.
Gourmet Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add dried pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package directs. Drain and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil to keep from sticking.
Grate cheeses and toss together to mix, then divide into three piles. Approximately 3 cups for the sauce, 1-1/2 cups for the inner layer, and 1-1/2 cups for the topping.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine. Cook for approximately 1 minute, whisking often. Slowly pour in about 2 cups or so of the milk/half and half, while whisking constantly, until smooth. Slowly pour in the remaining milk/half and half, while whisking constantly, until combined and smooth.
Continue to heat over MED heat, whisking very often, until thickened.
Remove from the heat and stir in spices and 1-1/2 cups of the cheeses, stirring to melt and combine. Stir in another 1-1/2 cups of cheese, and stir until completely melted and smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with cheese sauce, stirring to combine fully. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1-1/2 cups of grated cheeses, then top that with the remaining pasta mixture.
Sprinkle the top with the last 1-1/2 cups of cheese and bake for 15 minutes, until cheesy is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Notes
Feel free to add mix-ins as you like! Bacon, tomatoes, ham, chicken, whatever your heart desires!