If you are searching for a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal to satisfy your cravings, look no further than this Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe. It combines five carefully selected cheeses to create a rich, creamy sauce that wraps every tender elbow macaroni in a blanket of cheesy goodness. Baked to perfection with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping, this dish strikes the perfect balance between gooey and crunchy, making it a timeless classic that brings warmth and happiness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry and fridge staples, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting this decadent Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe. From the tender pasta to the melty cheeses and crispy topping, every component works together to deliver extraordinary flavor and texture.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds cheese sauce beautifully and offers the perfect bite.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the roux and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce base.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce by forming a roux with the butter for that perfect consistency.
- 3 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory cheeses.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce’s richness and silkiness, making it luxuriously smooth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the natural flavors in the recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional): Gives a slight tang and helps the cheese shine.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For boldness and that classic mac and cheese taste.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers excellent meltability and creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese: Adds a nutty sophistication and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, buttery taste.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, slightly granular crunch that rounds out the cheese blend.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates the golden, crispy topping essential for texture contrast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping): Helps the breadcrumbs brown perfectly during baking.
How to Make Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, which means just tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside—it’s important not to overcook so your pasta holds its shape during baking.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes. This roux is the base that will thicken your sauce and eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Season and Add Cheese
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder if you’re using it. These spices build a complex and inviting flavor profile. Lower the heat and gradually add all five cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan—stirring until everything melts into a silky, luscious sauce. This step is where the magic of the Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe truly shines.
Step 4: Combine and Transfer
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat each piece evenly. Pour this cheesy mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to prepare for that beautiful breadcrumb topping that will give the dish its final crispy flourish.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the mac and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the sauce bubbles around the edges and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow everything to set perfectly.
How to Serve Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. A dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes can also add a nice pop of color and subtle heat. These simple touches transform the dish into something visually stunning and even more flavorful.
Side Dishes
This cheesy masterpiece pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a tangy coleslaw. They balance the richness of the mac and cheese and make for a well-rounded meal that feels satisfying but not too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting and cozy gathering, serve the Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets. You can even top it with a drizzle of truffle oil for a special occasion. Another fun idea is to mix in cooked bacon or caramelized onions before baking to surprise your guests with extra layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheese sauce will thicken as it chills, so you’ll want to gently reheat it to bring back the creamy texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To keep the breadcrumbs crispy, add fresh crumbs on top before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and restore that creamy, cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and works perfectly, you can substitute with cavatappi, shells, or penne. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will bake further in the oven.
What cheeses work best in the Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe?
The combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan offers a beautiful balance of flavor and meltability. However, feel free to experiment with cheeses you love, like gouda or Monterey jack, to customize it to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Just double-check your cheese labels to ensure they do not contain animal-derived rennet if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce. This adds a lovely kick without overpowering the creamy, cheesy goodness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Be sure to verify the breadcrumbs are gluten-free or omit them.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe—a dish that feels both familiar and indulgent with every creamy, cheesy forkful. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic comfort food favorite.
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Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food classic featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan cheeses. Creamy macaroni pasta is smothered in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs, and baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add liquids: Slowly add the milk and heavy cream to the roux while whisking constantly until smooth. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Season sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional mustard powder. Reduce heat to low.
- Melt cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and grated Parmesan cheeses to the sauce, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Assemble: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add topping: In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce.
Notes
- Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on availability—aim for a balance between flavor and meltability.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
