Description

This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese recipe combines a rich blend of sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan cheeses to create a creamy, indulgent comfort dish. Tender elbow macaroni is coated in a luscious homemade cheese sauce, topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection for a bubbly, crispy finish. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions, this classic baked mac and cheese features a heavenly balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

16 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded gouda cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Topping

½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the other components.
Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, typically about 7-8 minutes, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and grated parmesan cheeses until everything melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta evenly with the rich cheese mixture.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Add Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese for a crispy golden crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Bake until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.

Notes

For extra creaminess, use whole milk and heavy cream as specified; whole dairy provides the best texture and flavor.
You can substitute the gouda with fontina or Monterey Jack if preferred.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling; al dente pasta holds up better during baking.
Stir the cheese sauce continuously while thickening to avoid lumps or scorching.
Use fresh grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a richer flavor and smoother melt.
Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a pleasing crunch; panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter texture.
To make ahead, assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, five cheese mac and cheese, creamy macaroni and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake