Four Cheese Macaroni Casserole

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (280g)
• 1/2 cup butter (113g)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
• 2 cups milk (473ml)
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 oz white Cheddar cheese, shredded (113g)
• 2 oz cream cheese (56g)
• 4 oz parmesan cheese, shredded (113g)
• 2 oz blue cheese (56g)
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon or ham (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and stir until well combined.
5. Pour in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes a smooth sauce.
6. Add the salt and all the cheeses, except the blue cheese, and stir until the cheeses are completely melted.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
8. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
9. Top with the blue cheese crumbled or sliced and the optional cooked bacon or ham.
10. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings) Calories: Approx. 500-600 (depending on additional ingredients) Fat: Approx. 30-40g Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g Protein: Approx. 20-30g (Note: Nutritional information may vary based on ingredients used.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy texture due to the combination of different cheeses.
• A classic American comfort food with a unique four-cheese flavor combination.
• Versatile dish that can be customized with different toppings or additional ingredients.

User Comments:

• "This dish was amazing! The combination of cheeses was unique and really tasty."
• "I loved the blue cheese on top, it added a nice contrast to the creamy dish."
• "I made this for my family and they loved it. It's a great dish for a family meal."
• "This dish was quite rich, but it was delicious. I would recommend serving it with a salad for a balanced meal."
• "Easy to make and a great dish for a weekend treat."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use good quality cheeses for the best flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
• If using different types of cheese, make sure they are all shredded or crumbled for even distribution in the dish.
• This dish can be customized with additional ingredients such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or cooked vegetables.