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
Scale
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.