Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Experience ultimate comfort with this Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese, a luscious blend of creamy cheeses baked to golden perfection. Rich, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s the perfect dish for cozy dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large elbow macaroni
• 1½ tablespoons kosher salt (for boiling pasta water)
• 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)
• 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups American cheese or Velveeta
• 2 cups smoked gouda
• 2 cups smoked gruyère
• 2 cups colby jack

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water (using the kosher salt) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Whisk in the egg and evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir in seasoned salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and creamy.
7. Step 7: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
8. Step 8: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Step 9: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
• Use low-fat cheeses or milk substitutes to lighten the dish, but expect a creamier texture with full-fat ingredients.
• Try adding cooked bacon, jalapeños, or caramelized onions to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a sharper bite, increase the amount of sharp cheddar.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other short pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate it before baking. When ready, bake for a few extra minutes to heat through and achieve a bubbly top.

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 127 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese recipe is a rich, creamy, and indulgent twist on the classic comfort food. Featuring a blend of five cheeses—extra sharp cheddar, American, smoked gouda, smoked gruyère, and colby jack—combined with a flavorful seasoned milk sauce and baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
3. Melt Butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquefied and starting to bubble slightly.
4. Make Milk Mixture: Whisk together the large egg and evaporated milk into the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add Seasonings: Stir in seasoned salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
6. Add Cheeses: Gradually add in the shredded cheeses—extra sharp cheddar, American or Velveeta, smoked gouda, smoked gruyère, and colby jack—stirring continuously until the cheese has completely melted and formed a creamy sauce.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is well coated with the cheesy mixture.
8. Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and begins to turn golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

Notes

• For a spicy kick, include the cayenne pepper; omit for a milder flavor.
• Use freshly shredded cheeses rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
• Allowing the mac and cheese to rest after baking helps thicken the sauce for better serving consistency.
• Substitute Velveeta with American cheese for a creamier consistency if desired.
• Use a greased baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, five cheese mac and cheese, comfort food, cheddar, gouda, gruyère, colby jack, creamy pasta, cheesy casserole