Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine macaroni and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat each piece evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Prepare topping (if using): In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until combined.
- 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
