Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining a rich blend of cheeses with tender elbow macaroni. This creamy, baked dish delivers gooey, cheesy goodness with a golden breadcrumb topping for added texture. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
6. Step 6: Gradually add all the cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure each piece is well coated.
8. Step 8: Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
9. Step 9: If using, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
10. Step 10: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Step 11: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to set the cheese sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of reserved pasta water to the cheese sauce.
• Use gluten-free flour and pasta for a gluten-free version.
• Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for additional flavor.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well for a crunchy topping.

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 95 reviews

This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese recipe combines the creamy richness of five different cheeses with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. With a smooth, cheesy sauce enhanced by garlic and onion powders, and an optional crispy breadcrumb topping, this comforting main course is ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Sauce:

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Topping (optional):

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the mac and cheese evenly.
2. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove from heat and stir in all five cheeses—sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan—until completely melted and smooth.
4. Combine macaroni and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat each piece evenly in the creamy sauce.
5. Prepare topping (if using): In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until combined.
6. Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can customize the cheese blend to your liking by mixing different types of cheese for varied flavor and texture.
• For extra creamy mac and cheese, reserve a little pasta cooking water and stir it into the cheese sauce as you combine it with the macaroni.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta in the boiling water since it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Letting the dish rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve.
• The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a pleasant crunch and contrast to the creamy interior.

Keywords: mac and cheese, five cheese mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, dinner recipe