If comfort food had a superstar, the Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe would undoubtedly take center stage. This dish is a celebration of creamy, cheesy goodness, blending five distinct cheeses to create a luscious, velvety sauce that hugs each perfectly cooked macaroni. Baking it to golden, bubbly perfection adds an irresistible crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck favorite, this recipe brings heartwarming satisfaction with every bite and is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component has a crucial role, from the tender pasta to the blend of rich cheeses, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto that creamy cheese sauce.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and is essential for the roux base.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that perfect, creamy texture.
- 3 cups whole milk: Provides the creamy body for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts richness and smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates the flavors throughout.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional): Brightens and sharpens the cheese flavor.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings classic, tangy sharpness to the mix.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey stretch and mild creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese: Adds nutty, savory complexity.
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese: Melts smoothly with a buttery taste.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, umami punch to finish the sauce.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a delightfully crunchy topping.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping): Helps the breadcrumbs toast beautifully.
How to Make Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water until it’s just al dente—meaning tender but still with a slight bite. This ensures it won’t get mushy when baked later. Drain completely and set aside because the next steps will build the magical cheese sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and slightly golden—this creates the roux, the essential thickening base for your cheese sauce. Keep whisking to avoid lumps and to toast the flour for a smoother flavor.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional mustard powder for a well-rounded flavor. Reduce the heat to low and stir in each shredded cheese—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan—until melted and silky.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the cooked macaroni into the luscious cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated with that creamy, cheesy goodness. This ensures each bite delivers the perfect harmony of pasta and sauce.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the dish and smooth the top. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated, then sprinkle generously over the mac and cheese. This step ensures a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the mac and cheese for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set up a bit before serving. Your Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. For an extra touch, dust a little smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes on top for subtle warmth.
Side Dishes
This baked mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, and proteins such as grilled chicken or barbecue ribs, making it a versatile centerpiece or comforting side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at dinner parties or layer with cooked bacon bits and extra cheese for a decadent twist that will impress your guests. You can even add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions inside the mac and cheese before baking for some gourmet flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep it fresh longer.
Freezing
You can freeze this mac and cheese before baking in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Freezing after baking is possible but may affect the texture slightly once reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps refresh the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for baked mac and cheese, other pasta shapes with grooves or tubes such as cavatappi, penne, or shells work wonderfully as they hold the sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free or use crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
Can I prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the cheese sauce up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then mix with cooked pasta and bake when ready. Just reheat gently and whisk to restore smoothness before assembling.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Try mixing the panko with a bit more melted butter or olive oil and even add some grated Parmesan for added crunch and flavor. Broiling for the last 1-2 minutes of baking also helps create a beautifully crispy crust.
What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have all five?
Feel free to get creative! A good balance of sharp, melty, and nutty cheeses is key. For example, you can swap fontina with Monterey Jack or Gruyère with Swiss. Just ensure the cheese melts well for that signature creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of rich cheeses, creamy sauce, and a satisfyingly crunchy topping is truly irresistible. So gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy every luscious, cheesy bite together—you won’t regret it!
Print
Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is a creamy, indulgent comfort dish featuring a blend of five rich cheeses baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines al dente elbow macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce made from cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan, topped with crispy buttery breadcrumbs for a satisfying finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
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
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux without browning.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to keep the mixture smooth. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional mustard powder to add depth of flavor.
- Add the Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and add shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, fontina, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until all cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all pasta evenly.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then evenly sprinkle over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can substitute or mix cheeses depending on preference or availability, ensuring a good balance between flavor and meltability.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- For a crunchier topping, increase the panko breadcrumbs or lightly toast them before adding.
- To make it ahead, assemble the dish but wait to add breadcrumbs until just before baking.
