Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese
Description
A rich, creamy, and ultra-cheesy baked macaroni and cheese made with a blend of five different cheeses. The pasta is coated in a velvety sauce, topped with a buttery crunchy layer, and baked until golden and bubbly. Pure comfort food.
Yield
6–8 servings
Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
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Total Time: 55–65 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: 55–65 minutes
Ingredients
Pasta
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1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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½–1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Five cheeses of your choice, about 4–5 cups total, such as:
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Cheddar
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Mozzarella
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Gruyère
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Fontina
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Parmesan
(Any flavorful, melty combo works.)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
½–1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Five cheeses of your choice, about 4–5 cups total, such as:
-
Cheddar
-
Mozzarella
-
Gruyère
-
Fontina
-
Parmesan
(Any flavorful, melty combo works.)
Topping
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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2–3 tablespoons melted butter
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Extra shredded cheese (optional)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2–3 tablespoons melted butter
Extra shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Boil salted water.
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Cook the macaroni until just al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
Boil salted water.
Cook the macaroni until just al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Five-Cheese Sauce
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Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (make a roux).
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Slowly whisk in the milk and cream.
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Cook until it thickens, 5–7 minutes.
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Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Remove from heat and add the cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (make a roux).
Slowly whisk in the milk and cream.
Cook until it thickens, 5–7 minutes.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Remove from heat and add the cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce
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Pour sauce over the pasta and mix well.
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Transfer into a greased baking dish.
Pour sauce over the pasta and mix well.
Transfer into a greased baking dish.
4. Add the Topping
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Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
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Sprinkle over the macaroni.
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Add extra cheese if desired.
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Sprinkle over the macaroni.
Add extra cheese if desired.
5. Bake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
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Broil briefly for a crispier top (optional).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Broil briefly for a crispier top (optional).
6. Serve
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Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with salad, roasted vegetables, fried chicken, barbecue, or grilled meats.
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Works great as a main dish or a rich side for gatherings.
Serve with salad, roasted vegetables, fried chicken, barbecue, or grilled meats.
Works great as a main dish or a rich side for gatherings.
Storage
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Fridge: 3–4 days
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Freezer: Up to 2 months
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Reheat: Oven at low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Fridge: 3–4 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Oven at low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: ~600–650
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Protein: ~25–30 g
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Fat: ~35–40 g
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Carbs: ~45–50 g
Calories: ~600–650
Protein: ~25–30 g
Fat: ~35–40 g
Carbs: ~45–50 g
(These are approximate and vary based on cheese choices.)
Tips
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Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt.
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Combine sharp, creamy, and melty cheeses for best flavor.
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Don’t overcook the pasta — it will cook more in the oven.
Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt.
Combine sharp, creamy, and melty cheeses for best flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta — it will cook more in the oven.
Conclusion
This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is a luxurious, creamy, golden, and deeply flavorful dish. With five cheeses, a crunchy topping, and a silky sauce, it brings unbeatable comfort and richness to any meal
Slug
five-cheese-baked-mac-cheese
Meta Title
Five Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese
Meta Description
Creamy baked macaroni and cheese made with five cheeses, topped with a buttery crust and baked to golden perfection.
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