Kimberley-Bowen This Five-cheese mac and cheese is ultra-creamy, rich, and packed with cheesy goodness. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, holiday gathering, or when you’re simply craving a bowl of comfort food.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for extra depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
The Five Cheeses
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (bold flavor)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (for creaminess)
- 1 cup gouda cheese (slightly smoky)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (for a salty kick)
- ½ cup cream cheese (for extra smooth texture)
Topping (Optional for Baked Version)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until melted.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Slowly add the cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.
Step 5: Serve OR Bake (Optional)
Stovetop Version: Serve immediately for an ultra-creamy mac and cheese.
Baked Version:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parmesan, then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
✔ Sprinkle with extra cheese or fresh parsley
✔ Serve with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor
✔ Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for balance
Five-Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Five-cheese mac and cheese is ultra-creamy, rich, and packed with cheesy goodness. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, holiday gathering, or when you’re simply craving a bowl of comfort food.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for extra depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (bold flavor)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (for creaminess)
- 1 cup gouda cheese (slightly smoky)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (for a salty kick)
- ½ cup cream cheese (for extra smooth texture)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until melted.
- Slowly add the cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.
- Stovetop Version: Serve immediately for an ultra-creamy mac and cheese.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parmesan, then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Sprinkle with extra cheese or fresh parsley
- Serve with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor
- Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for balance
