Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate indulgent comfort food, featuring a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from a blend of five delicious cheeses. The combination of creamy, gooey cheese with tender pasta and a crunchy, golden topping makes this dish the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a holiday feast, or a side dish to complement a larger meal. Once I try it, I’ll never want to go back to regular mac and cheese!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes mac and cheese to the next level with five different cheeses that melt perfectly together. The creamy cheese sauce is thick and indulgent, while the crispy, golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. It’s comforting, rich, and satisfying. The best part is how customizable the cheese blend is—I can experiment with different cheeses based on what I like or have on hand. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of choice)

For the cheese sauce:

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

(Her’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

2. Make a roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.

3. Add the milk and cream: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add the seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Add the cheeses: Gradually stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyère, and fontina cheese, one at a time, until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Baked Mac & Cheese:

6. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is coated with the creamy cheese mixture.

7. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Add the Topping:

8. Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.

9. Bake the mac and cheese: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

10. Once the mac and cheese is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this rich, cheesy goodness!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish, including cooking the pasta, making the cheese sauce, and baking. It’s the perfect dish for a hearty meal, whether served as the main course or as a side dish.

Variations

• Spicy Mac & Cheese: For a spicy twist, I can add a bit of hot sauce to the cheese sauce or stir in some diced jalapeños for heat. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper will also spice things up.

• Bacon Mac & Cheese: If I love bacon, I can add crumbled cooked bacon to the cheese sauce or sprinkle it on top with the breadcrumbs before baking.

• Vegetable Mac & Cheese: For a more well-rounded dish, I can mix in some sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted cauliflower to the pasta before baking.

• Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, I can use plant-based cheeses and milk substitutes like almond or oat milk. Vegan butter can also replace the butter in the sauce and topping.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I can place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for a quicker option. If it seems too thick after reheating, I can stir in a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?

Yes, I can use any combination of cheese that melts well. Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a bit of cream cheese can add extra creaminess to the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This mac and cheese can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge. When ready to bake, just top it with breadcrumbs and bake as directed. It’s perfect for meal prep or making the night before a big meal.

Can I freeze Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese?

Yes, I can freeze the baked mac and cheese for up to 2 months. To reheat, I can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.

Can I make the cheese sauce without the roux (flour)?

Yes, if I prefer a gluten-free version, I can skip the roux and use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce. Just whisk it in with the milk and cream and cook until the sauce thickens.

How do I prevent my mac and cheese from being too dry?

To keep the mac and cheese creamy, I make sure to use a good amount of cheese, butter, and milk. Also, don’t overbake it—just enough time to crisp up the topping while keeping the sauce creamy.

Conclusion

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The rich sauce made from a blend of five cheeses creates a decadent dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and a crispy topping, this mac and cheese is sure to become a family favorite. Whether I’m serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that never disappoints!