Description
A rich and creamy Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese that combines sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, fontina, and parmesan for an indulgent, comforting classic baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, reserved for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside, ensuring it doesn’t become overcooked.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux, which acts as the base for the creamy sauce.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Melt Cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in all five cheeses except for a reserved 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar. Stir until you have a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
- Season Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using), mixing well to blend all the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top.
- Prepare Topping (Optional): If using, mix the melted butter with panko breadcrumbs and evenly sprinkle this over the mac and cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5–10 minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use whole milk and heavy cream as specified.
- You can omit the paprika if you prefer a more traditional flavor.
- The topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy interior.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps it firm up, making it easier to serve.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
