Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk, heated

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese

1/2 cup grated Comte cheese

1/2 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese

Coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound elbow macaroni

Preparation

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour until fully incorporated, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk; bring to a simmer and continue whisking until sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Comte, and cheddar cheeses. Whisk cheeses into simmering milk mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, letting each addition melt before adding the next. Add 2 teaspoons salt, and pepper; stir to combine.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat; generously season with salt and return to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and transfer saucepan with cheese sauce, and fold to combine; serve immediately.