5 Cheese Baked Mac N Cheese Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food classic, but when you elevate it with not one, not two, but five different cheeses, it becomes an irresistible indulgence that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners.

This 5 Cheese Baked Mac n Cheese recipe combines the sharpness of aged cheddar, the creaminess of mozzarella, the tang of parmesan, the nuttiness of gruyere, and the smooth meltiness of fontina to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and decadence.

The golden-brown crust on top contrasts beautifully with the luscious, cheesy sauce enveloping tender macaroni underneath. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this baked mac n cheese offers a rich, gooey experience that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite cheeses or add-ins.

Read on for the full recipe, equipment list, and tips to make your perfect five cheese baked mac n cheese every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe hits all the right notes for mac n cheese fans: it’s creamy, cheesy, and has a satisfyingly crispy topping. Using five different cheeses adds layers of flavor and complexity that a single cheese can’t achieve alone.

It’s also versatile and forgiving—feel free to swap cheeses based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry appetites but elegant enough to serve at gatherings.

Best of all, you get to enjoy the nostalgic comfort of mac n cheese with an elevated gourmet twist!

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (about 3 cups)
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish lightly with butter or oil.
2. Cook the macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente (usually about 7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it’s lightly golden and bubbling.
4. Slowly add warmed milk: Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time, ensuring the sauce stays smooth. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add seasoning and cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat, stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then add all the shredded cheeses except parmesan. Stir until all the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
6. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: In a large bowl, mix the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
7. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the cheesy macaroni into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until the crumbs are lightly coated.
9. Add topping and parmesan: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the macaroni, then top with the breadcrumb mixture.
10. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Cool slightly and serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked mac n cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes portioning easier.

Tips & Variations

For a richer sauce, substitute half the milk with heavy cream or add a splash of white wine to the roux before adding milk.

• Cheese swaps: Try swapping fontina with gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy kick: Add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
• Protein boost: Stir in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
• Crunchier topping: Mix some grated parmesan with the breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crispiness.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This 5 cheese baked mac n cheese pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides to balance the richness. Try serving it alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

For a heartier meal, add a protein like grilled chicken or roasted sausage. You can also complement this dish with Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for a satisfying combo.

If you enjoy exploring more comforting and creative recipes, check out these favorites:

• Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping
• Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious
• Can I Substitute Almonds for Cashews in Vegan Cheese?

Conclusion

This 5 Cheese Baked Mac n Cheese recipe is a decadent twist on a timeless classic, perfectly blending five cheeses to create a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dish. It’s comfort food at its finest with a crispy golden topping and rich, cheesy interior that will impress family and guests alike.

The recipe is straightforward enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for special occasions. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you’ll be able to whip up this crowd-pleaser anytime.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or add-ins to truly make it your own.

Next time you crave something warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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