Name: Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese. This rich, creamy, and incredibly cheesy casserole hits all the cozy notes you want on a chilly evening or for your next gathering. Five stellar cheeses unite with tender pasta and a golden panko crust, making every forkful deeply satisfying and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a special homemade twist on a classic, this dish never fails to bring smiles and requests for seconds!

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is that while it boasts decadent flavors and a gorgeous, bubbling crust, it’s made with a handful of pantry staples and some special cheeses. Each ingredient adds its own magic, from creaminess and sharpness to that show-stopping baked finish.

1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for catching all that gooey cheese—don’t overcook it, as it will finish baking in the oven!
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for your roux, lending richness and depth.
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Whisked with butter, it thickens your luscious cheese sauce.
3 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and body to the sauce—go for full-fat for best results.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious silkiness and a velvety mouthfeel.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle, savory note.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Lends gentle sweetness and aromatic complexity.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every other flavor, so don’t skip it!
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of spice for depth and balance.
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional): Brings brightness—don’t worry, it won’t taste like mustard.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The classic backbone, bold and meltable.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Stretches beautifully and ups the goo factor.
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese: Nutty, creamy, and the real flavor secret here.
1 cup shredded fontina cheese: Wonderfully smooth, with an almost buttery quality.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Salty and robust, perfect for finishing the sauce and topping.
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: For that crisp, golden topping everyone fights over.
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping): Helps the panko brown beautifully in the oven.

How to Make Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook your elbow macaroni just until al dente, following the package instructions. Don’t let it go too soft—the pasta will soften further while baking, and you want it to hold up under all that cheesy goodness! Once done, drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly, and cook for about 1–2 minutes. This step not only thickens the sauce but also gets rid of any raw flour taste. The mixture should be pale and smell nutty, which is exactly what you want!

Step 3: Build the Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking all the while to prevent lumps and keep things smooth. Cook this mixture for 3–5 minutes, stirring gently as it warms and thickens just a bit. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and the optional mustard powder for a flavor boost. Now, reduce the heat to low and start adding your cheeses: cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and then the Parmesan. Stir until everything melts into a beautiful, glossy sauce that already smells like heaven.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss in your drained macaroni and fold gently to make sure every last piece is coated with that dreamy, five-cheese sauce. The mixture should look creamy and almost too saucy—remember, it’ll set up as it bakes!

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Pour the mac and cheese into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. For the irresistible topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle generously over the pasta. Finish with another hit of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling enthusiastically. Let it rest out of the oven for about 5 minutes to set up and cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue in your excitement!

How to Serve Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Finish your Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese with a light sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a hit of color and freshness. Some folks love a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few flakes of crushed red pepper if they like things with a kick.

Side Dishes

Pairing this indulgent mac and cheese with the right side makes dinner sing. Classic options include a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted or steamed broccoli, or even roasted Brussels sprouts. They all offer a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving portions of Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese in mini ramekins for individual servings at dinner parties. Or, create a mac and cheese bar with fun mix-ins and toppings for guests to customize—think crumbled bacon, roasted veggies, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxe touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese keeps really well. Just cover your leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen after a day or two, making your second helping even more satisfying!

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead or save some for another week, you’re in luck. Assemble the dish through Step 5, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Leftover portions can also be frozen—just place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To revive the creamy texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until hot throughout. A couple of minutes under the broiler can help refresh the crispy topping, too!

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses in Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese?

Absolutely! While this recipe shines with cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan, you can swap in others like Monterey Jack, Havarti, gouda, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles. Just aim for a mix of sharp, creamy, and melty varieties.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

This usually happens if the sauce is cooked over too high heat or the cheese is added to a boiling liquid. Keep the heat low when stirring in your cheeses and melt them gently to ensure a smooth, silky sauce every time.

Can I make Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. For the crunchy top, gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers work beautifully.

What’s the best way to get that crispy top?

A combo of panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of butter or olive oil will yield an irresistibly golden, crunchy topping. Be sure to spread it evenly across the surface before baking for the perfect textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.

Can I add protein or veggies to this dish?

Definitely! Stir in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, rotisserie chicken, or steamed broccoli to make it more of a complete meal. Just be mindful of adding too much extra moisture, so your sauce stays thick and luscious.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving an ultra-creamy, utterly decadent, and crowd-pleasing comfort meal, this Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is calling your name. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s every bit as spectacular as it sounds and guaranteed to become a new family favorite!

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese. This ultimate comfort food combines five different cheeses for a flavor explosion that will satisfy all your cheesy cravings. A golden breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Other Ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder. Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine and bake: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve: Let the mac & cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving.