Description
This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese recipe is a decadent and creamy take on the classic comfort food. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, American cheese, smoked gouda, smoked gruyère, and colby jack, combined with a flavorful spiced cheese sauce, it’s baked to a bubbly golden perfection that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb large elbow macaroni
- 1½ tablespoons kosher salt (for boiling pasta water)
Cheese Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Cheeses
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups American cheese or Velveeta, shredded
- 2 cups smoked gouda, shredded
- 2 cups smoked gruyère, shredded
- 2 cups colby jack, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the mac and cheese to a bubbly golden finish.
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil using 1½ tablespoons kosher salt. Cook the large elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to create the base for the cheese sauce.
- Combine Egg and Milk: Whisk in one large egg and two cans (24 oz total) of evaporated milk with the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in 1 teaspoon each of seasoned salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion powder, and ground mustard. Then add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you desire a spicy kick.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheeses—2 cups extra sharp cheddar, 2 cups American cheese or Velveeta, 2 cups smoked gouda, 2 cups smoked gruyère, and 2 cups colby jack—stirring constantly until all cheeses melt fully and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the cheesy mixture.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- You can use Velveeta or American cheese interchangeably for a smoother texture.
- For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper to taste or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make sure the macaroni is cooked al dente to avoid mushy pasta after baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and creaminess.
- If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, five cheese mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked pasta casserole
