If you are craving ultimate comfort food with a luscious, cheesy twist, this Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe is here to satisfy every craving. Loaded with a dreamy blend of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, Monterey Jack, tangy goat cheese, and nutty Parmesan, this dish turns the classic mac and cheese into an irresistible, golden-baked masterpiece. Each bite offers a velvety sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, topped with a buttery, crunchy breadcrumb crust that’ll have you coming back for more. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or the star side at your next gathering, this recipe brings warmth and joy to the table, guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving that perfect balance of creaminess and flavor in your Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the pasta that provides structure to the cheeses that offer layers of taste and richness. Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic comfort dish.
- Elbow macaroni (16 ounces): The classic pasta shape that holds onto every bit of cheesy goodness for the perfect bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Used to create the roux and add richness without overpowering the cheese flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The magic ingredient that thickens the sauce into a creamy dream.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and helps create that silky cheese sauce texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Elevates the richness, making the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings bold, tangy cheese flavor that defines the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Offers stringy, gooey meltiness that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds a mild creaminess and helps balance the sharper flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Infuses a savory, nutty finish that deepens the overall taste.
- Goat cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Adds a subtle tangy creaminess that makes this five cheese blend truly unique.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts flavor with its warm, aromatic touch.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of the cheese sauce with gentle sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights all the wonderful flavors without dominating.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat to balance richness.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a smoky, slightly spicy kick that elevates the baked top.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Provides a light, crispy coating that contrasts perfectly with the soft pasta.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Binds the breadcrumbs and adds golden crunch when baked.
How to Make Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Macaroni
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this will make cleanup a breeze later. Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions but not too soft; you want it just al dente so it holds its shape after baking. Drain well and set aside—you’re off to a great start!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook this mixture for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste, stirring constantly. Then gradually pour in whole milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes silky, roughly 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Blend in the Five Cheeses and Seasonings
Reduce the heat to low, then add all five cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and tangy goat cheese. Stir gently until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce pulsing with cheesy goodness. Now sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it for that subtle smoky flair. Give everything a good stir and get ready to bring this sauce to the pasta.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure each piece of pasta is beautifully coated in that luscious, cheesy blanket. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to set the stage for baking.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this over the mac and cheese for a perfectly golden, crispy crust. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. If you want an extra crisp finish, pop it under the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning!
How to Serve Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe is a fantastic way to add a fresh crunch or flavor punch. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. Crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs can add extra texture and flavor contrast that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
This cheesy masterpiece pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette lets the mac and cheese shine, while roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli provide earthy notes that complement the creamy pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch or scoop it into mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, cozy vibe. You can also elevate presentation by topping with caramelized onions or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe is an absolute treat to have on hand. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply warm it gently to keep that creamy texture intact without drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled mac and cheese into a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid a soggy texture, you can freeze before baking or after—just adjust baking times accordingly.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, thaw frozen mac and cheese overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in shorter intervals, stirring occasionally to keep that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I substitute different cheeses in the Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap cheeses based on what you have or prefer. Gruyere, fontina, or even a smoky provolone can add wonderful variations while maintaining that melty, cheesy goodness.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?
Heavy cream contributes to the rich, smooth sauce texture, but you can use all milk if you need a lighter version. Just remember the sauce might be a little less indulgent and thick.
How do I get a crispy topping without overcooking the pasta?
Using panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter gives a wonderfully crisp topping without extra baking time. You can broil for just a couple of minutes at the end to get it perfectly golden without drying the pasta beneath.
Can I add protein or vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Cooked bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed spinach are all delicious additions that complement the rich cheese sauce wonderfully, adding extra flavor and nutrition.
What’s the best pasta type for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect because its shape holds sauce well, but small shells, cavatappi, or penne also work great for capturing every cheesy bite.
Final Thoughts
This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe truly elevates a beloved classic into something spectacularly comforting and delicious. The harmony of five distinctive cheeses, creamy sauce, and crunchy topping is pure magic in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging all to yourself.
Print
Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is a creamy, rich comfort food classic featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and tangy goat cheese. With a buttery roux-based cheese sauce enveloping tender elbow macaroni and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, it’s baked to golden perfection, making it an irresistible main course perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, grated Parmesan, and crumbled goat cheese until all cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, gently folding until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top for a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Notes
- You can swap any cheeses based on your preference or availability for a customized flavor.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Enhance the dish by adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed spinach before baking.
