Step 1 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Step 2 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt.
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Step 3 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Using a cheese grater or food processor fitted with a grating attachment, grate the cheddar, Gruyere or Swiss, and Gouda cheeses. Set aside.
PRO TIP In a hurry? Use pre-shredded cheese instead of freshly-grated cheese.
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Step 4 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
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Step 5 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
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.
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Step 6 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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Step 7 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Step 8 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
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.
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Step 9 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Slowly stream the milk into the pot while continuing to whisk. Cook, whisking steadily, until it begins to thicken and bubble, 4-5 minutes.
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Step 10 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Once bubbling, turn off the heat. Add the mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Step 11 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Add the cheeses to the pot one handful at a time, whisking slowly after each addition.
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Step 12 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Once the sauce is smooth, add the drained pasta noodles to the pot. Stir to combine.
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Step 13 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish.
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Step 14 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
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.
PRO TIP You can also use a food processor or blender and pulse until adequately crushed.
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Step 15 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
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.
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Step 16 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Sprinkle the cracker crumbs in an even layer over the pasta.
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Step 17 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Bake the mac and cheese on middle rack of oven until edges are bubbling and top is slightly browned, 25-28 minutes.
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Step 18 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Check to see that mac and cheese is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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Step 19 of 19
Amazing Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Allow macaroni and cheese to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.