Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

why make this recipe

Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. With five different kinds of cheese, this dish delivers a rich and flavorful experience that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this mac and cheese recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

how to make Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, adding kosher salt to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.
6. Reduce heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, blue cheese, and parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat.
8. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
9. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
11. Let cool slightly before serving.

how to serve Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

Serve this delicious mac and cheese hot from the oven. It is great on its own but also pairs well with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken.

how to store Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

To store leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and stick it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it well before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to 2 months frozen.

tips to make Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

• Make sure to salt the pasta water; it helps to flavor the macaroni.
• Stir the cheese sauce continuously to prevent it from sticking or burning.
• Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. You can adjust the types and amounts of cheese according to your taste.
• For a crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.

variation

You can add cooked bacon, ham, or even veggies like broccoli or spinach to give this mac and cheese a twist. Adjust the cheese to include your favorites or whatever you have on hand.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
   Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as shells or penne.

2. How do I reheat leftovers?
   You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven. If using the oven, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!

Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

This creamy and cheesy baked mac and cheese features five different kinds of cheese for an incredibly rich and flavorful comfort dish.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Seasoning

• 1 lb large elbow macaroni
• 1.5 tablespoons kosher salt For pasta water

Cheese Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter For making the sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Sauce Base

• 4 cups milk For the cheese sauce
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour For thickening the sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Topping

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs Optional for topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, adding kosher salt to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.
4. Reduce heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, blue cheese, and parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

Combining and Baking

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
3. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.