Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is a decadent twist on a classic comfort dish. Loaded with a blend of sharp, smoky, and creamy cheeses, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The baked golden crust adds a satisfying texture to every creamy bite.

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 (190°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Whisk in the egg and evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and combined.
5. Step 5: Stir in the seasoned salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the shredded cheeses—extra sharp cheddar, American (or Velveeta), smoked gouda, smoked gruyère, and colby jack—stirring continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and creamy.
7. Step 7: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is well coated.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top before baking.
• Substitute evaporated milk with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Use a mix of your favorite cheeses to customize the flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover baked mac & cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, other shapes like penne or cavatappi work well as they hold cheese sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This indulgent Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese recipe combines a rich blend of extra sharp cheddar, American, smoked gouda, smoked gruyère, and colby jack cheeses baked to golden perfection. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors from seasoned spices and evaporated milk, this classic comfort food is perfect for a hearty family dinner or special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Seasoning

• 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)

Cheeses

• 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 oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the mac and cheese later.
2. Cook macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
3. Melt butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter gently to create the base for the cheese sauce.
4. Prepare cheese sauce base: Whisk the large egg and evaporated milk together until smooth, then gradually add this mixture to the melted butter.
5. Add seasonings: Stir in seasoned salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to build a flavorful sauce.
6. Melt cheeses: Gradually add all the shredded cheeses—extra sharp cheddar, American/Velveeta, smoked gouda, smoked gruyère, and colby jack—stirring constantly until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated with the rich, cheesy mixture.
8. Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Rest and serve: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes outside the oven before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, adjust or omit the cayenne pepper per your preference.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Letting the mac and cheese rest after baking helps it hold its shape better when serving.
• Substitute evaporated milk with whole milk or cream for a richer texture.
• You can add a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking for added texture, though this recipe does not include that step.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, five cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food