Description
This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is a rich, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish made with a blend of five flavorful cheeses and topped with a golden, bubbly crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in all five cheeses, reserving 1/2 cup of the cheddar for topping. Stir until smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with reserved cheddar.
- If using breadcrumbs, combine melted butter with panko and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Mix and match cheeses like gruyère, asiago, or blue cheese for variety.
- For added texture, add crispy bacon or caramelized onions.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg