This baked macaroni and cheese recipe is legendary and a must-have for big family events. This ultimate comfort food is a superior blend of Cheddar, Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses.
My favorite part of this Baked Four-Cheese Macaroni is the crunchy topping. The bread crumb topping servers as a barrier between the mac and cheese below. This allows the Parmesan cheese on top to crisp to a golden brown.
The Bacon bits mixed throughout the dish is an extra delight for your taste buds. So get ready for the best mac and cheese dish you have ever tasted.
How to Make Marco Polo’s Baked Four-Cheese Macaroni
Marco Polo’s Four-Cheese Baked Macaroni
This dish is made with four kinds of cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping really separates this macaroni and cheese from its store-bought counterparts.
- 1 box Macaroni (16 ounces)
- 3 cups Gruyere Cheese (shredded)
- 1½ cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1½ cups Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 6 tbsp Butter (cubed)
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 4 cups 2% Milk (warmed)
- ¼ cup Bacon Bits
- 2 tsp Salt
- 3/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg (freshly ground)
- 1-1/2 cups Bread Crumbs
- 2 tbsp Butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Mix
Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni in a 6-qt. stockpot according to package directions for al dente. Drain; return to pot.
In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; whisk in warmed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from heat; stir in Gruyere, Cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, bacon bits, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add to macaroni, tossing to coat.
Transfer to a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Toss bread crumbs and melted butter, and Italian seasoning; sprinkle over casserole. Then toss the Parmesan cheese on top and Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
This recipe is a fast paced job and we suggest a helping hand while cooking this dish.
Did You Know
Marco Polo was an Italian merchant, explorer, and writer. He traveled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His travels are recorded in The Travels of Marco Polo. His book described to Europeans the mysterious culture and inner workings of the Eastern world. It chronicled the wealth and great size of the Mongol Empire and the Yuan Dynasty. Giving a first comprehensive look into China, India, Japan, and other Asian cities and countries.
Though he was not the first European to reach China. Marco Polo was the first to leave a detailed chronicle of his experience. This book inspired Christopher Columbus[8] and many other travelers.
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