Here’s a full Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese recipe that’s ultra-creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious. Perfect as a main or side dish!
🧀 Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
🍝 Ingredients:
For the pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- Salt for pasta water
For the cheese sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream (warm)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Cheeses (shredded):
- 1 cup sharp cheddar
- 1 cup mozzarella
- 1 cup gouda
- 1 cup fontina or Monterey Jack
- 1 cup parmesan (divided – save 1/2 cup for topping)
Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp paprika
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than package instructions (it’ll finish in the oven).
- Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbling (don’t let it brown).
- Add milk & cream:
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream to avoid lumps. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Season & melt cheese:
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low. Add all the cheeses except 1/2 cup of parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat.
- Assemble:
- Pour mac & cheese into a greased 9×13″ baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan, breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika.
- Sprinkle over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
🔁 Variations:
- Add crispy bacon or caramelized onions.
- Swap out cheeses based on what you have—gruyère, brie, or blue cheese all work!
Would you like a printable version or a vegan/dairy-free adaptation?