Five-Cheese Mac and Cheese

Must Try

🧀🔥🍝

This Five-Cheese Mac and Cheese is ultra-creamy, extra cheesy, and packed with rich flavors. Perfect for a cozy comfort meal, holiday side dish, or indulgent treat!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, shells, or penne)
  • 4 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)

The Five Cheeses:

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded (classic, rich flavor)
  • 1 cup mozzarella, shredded (melts beautifully)
  • 1 cup Gruyère, shredded (adds nuttiness)
  • ½ cup Parmesan, grated (for a salty bite)
  • ½ cup Gouda or Monterey Jack, shredded (for extra creaminess)

For the Topping (Optional, for baked version):

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup Parmesan, grated

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring water and salt to a boil.
  • Add macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes).
  • Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (this forms a roux).
  • Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
  • Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard.

3. Melt the Cheeses

  • Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, Parmesan, and Gouda.
  • Stir continuously until melted and smooth.

4. Combine & Serve

  • Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
  • Serve immediately OR continue to the baked version below.

Baked Version (Optional)

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Pour mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
  • Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan, then sprinkle on top.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Variations & Tips

Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Extra Creamy: Stir in 4 oz cream cheese.
Protein Boost: Add crispy bacon, shredded chicken, or lobster.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch.

Would you like a stovetop-only version or a keto-friendly alternative? 😊

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