Four Cheese Baked Macaroni & Cheese (Serves Four)

This creamy macaroni and cheese, is a blend of rich cheeses and spicy undertones, brings smiles and warmth, making every bite a taste of togetherness and comfort.

Macaroni and Cheese is the quintessential American comfort dish, and for me, it played a significant role during my cultural assimilation upon moving to the United States. It became a staple, a dish present at every gathering or potluck - be it a 4th of July celebration, a backyard BBQ, a Thanksgiving side, or a main course. Enjoyed best with loved ones, it has the power to bring people together, filling the air with laughter and warmth as everyone gathers around

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni pasta
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, for topping
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons Gloria's Shito Vegan Chili Oil (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of oil or cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. In the same pot, add the whole milk, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it's hot but not boiling.
4. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded Gruyere, smoked Gouda, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt into a creamy sauce. This is your cheese sauce.
5. Stir in Gloria's Shito Vegan Chili Oil to add a delightful kick of flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your desired level of spiciness.
6. Add the cooked elbow-shaped pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
7. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
10. Remove the baked macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. Add a drizzle of Gloria's Shito Vegan Chili oil as needed for an extra burst of flavor and spiciness to your liking.