Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining a luscious blend of cheeses with perfectly cooked macaroni. This creamy, cheesy casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it a family favorite for any occasion.

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: Bring a large pot of salted water (using the kosher salt) to a boil, then cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Whisk in the egg and evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Step 5: Stir in the seasoned salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
6. Step 6: Gradually add all the shredded cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Step 7: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
8. Step 8: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Step 9: Allow the baked mac & cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
• Substitute Velveeta with more American cheese if you prefer a milder, creamier texture.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist.
• To make it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while large elbow macaroni works best for holding the cheese sauce, you can substitute with other sturdy pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can reduce the butter and use low-fat evaporated milk or substitute with regular milk, but keep in mind the texture and richness may be less creamy.

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 116 reviews

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

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Description

This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food featuring a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from a blend of five cheeses including sharp cheddar, American, smoked gouda, smoked gruyère, and colby jack. The sauce is infused with warm spices and baked to bubbly perfection with a golden crust, perfect for a hearty family dinner or special occasion.

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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)
• 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups American cheese or Velveeta, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups smoked gouda, shredded
• 2 cups smoked gruyère, shredded
• 2 cups colby jack, shredded

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
2. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1½ tablespoons kosher salt, and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Melt the butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully liquefied and bubbling slightly.
4. Prepare the cheese sauce base: Whisk in the large egg and the two cans of evaporated milk into the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Add seasonings: Stir in the seasoned salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, freshly ground black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to create a flavorful sauce.
6. Melt the cheeses: Gradually add the shredded extra sharp cheddar, American (or Velveeta), smoked gouda, smoked gruyère, and colby jack cheeses to the sauce, stirring continuously until all cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is well coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture.
8. Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and 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 flavors to meld.

Notes

• For a spicier version, do not omit the cayenne pepper.
• Velveeta can be substituted with more American cheese or a similarly creamy processed cheese if preferred.
• Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting quality.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushy mac and cheese.
• Resting the dish after baking helps the sauce set and enhances texture.

• 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, cheese sauce, American cuisine, family dinner