This classic version of our best macaroni and cheese is absolutely irresistible.

you’re able to customize it with our six different flavor variations.

When youre looking for the ultimatecomfort food, look no further than this four-cheese macaroni and cheese.

best four cheese macaroni and cheese

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

Its one of our most popular recipes.

Omit the baking dish and crumb mixture in Step 5; dive in after stirring everything together.

Coat a 2 1/2- to 3-quart broiler-safe au gratin or baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

cooked pasta for four cheese macaroni

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

Test Kitchen Tip:If you don’t have a broiler-safe baking dish, preheat oven to 450F.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling.

Add pasta and cook according to package directions.

onion butter and flour in pot for four cheese macaroni

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

Drain and return to the warm pot.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan melt the 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.

Add onion; cook and stir for 3 minutes.

whisking in milk to butter and flour mixture

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

Stir in flour, kosher salt, and pepper.

Add milk all at once.

Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbly.

adding cheese to macaroni and cheese sauce

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

Cook and whisk for 2 minutes more.

Preshredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly because of added starches.

Add the cheese sauce to cooked pasta; stir to coat.

cooked pasta with cheese sauce in baking dish

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

Transfer mixture to prepared dish.

In a small microwave-safe bowl melt the 1 teaspoon butter.

Stir in panko and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.

panko sprinkled on top of macaroni and cheese

Credit:BHG / Cara Cormack

Sprinkle panko mixture over pasta mixture.

If desired, garnish with parsley.

Coat a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over squash pieces; toss to coat.

Roast, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir cooked squash into pasta with the cheese sauce.

In a 6-inch skillet heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil over medium.

Add 8 ounces sliced, cooked andouille sausage to skillet; cook and stir over medium heat until browned.

Stir pepper mixture, sausage, and 8 ounces peeled and deveined, small fresh shrimp into pasta mixture.

Makes 6 (1 2/3-cup) servings.

If desired, top with 2 slices additional crumbled, crisp-cooked bacon before serving.

Makes 6 to 8 (1 1/2-cup) servings.

Stir one 15-ounce can pumpkin and 1 tablespoon snipped fresh sage into cheese sauce before adding to pasta.

2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.