why make this recipe
This Five Cheese Mac and Cheese is rich and creamy. It uses five different cheeses for deep flavor. It makes a great weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck. The mix of cheeses gives a balance of sharp, salty, and nutty tastes. If you like comfort food with a twist, this recipe is a good pick.
introduction
This dish is easy to follow and feels special. The sauce coats the pasta and bakes with a crunchy breadcrumb top. You can change cheeses or add spices to make it yours. If you want a smoky version, try this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for a different take.
how to make Five Cheese Mac and Cheese
Follow the steps below to make a smooth cheese sauce and bake the pasta until bubbly. Cook the macaroni until it is al dente. Heat milk and cream with butter, then add the cheeses slowly so the sauce stays smooth. Mix the pasta into the sauce, place in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
Ingredients :
8 oz elbow macaroni, 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, Salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons butter
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream, and heat until warm.
- Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, blue cheese, Parmesan, and Gruyère, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
how to serve Five Cheese Mac and Cheese
Serve hot, straight from the oven. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. For a richer meal, serve with roasted chicken or ham. Let the dish rest 5 minutes before scooping to keep its shape.
how to store Five Cheese Mac and Cheese
Cool the leftovers to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm, or heat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between bursts. You can freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Five Cheese Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can have additives that stop melting well.
- Add cheeses slowly and stir to keep the sauce smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little more milk.
- For a crunchy top, toast the breadcrumbs in butter before sprinkling.
- For bite-sized snacks, turn leftovers into Fried Mac and Cheese Bites.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked bacon or diced ham for more flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce for a small flavor boost.
- Swap blue cheese for cream cheese if you want a milder taste.
- Mix in vegetables like roasted broccoli or peas.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different pasta?
A: Yes. Small shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne work well.
Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Yes. Use more milk and a tablespoon of flour to thicken, but the texture will be less rich.
Q: How do I stop the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
A: Heat gently and add cheese slowly off the high heat. Use low to medium heat and stir well.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Conclusion
For another version and extra tips, see this recipe for Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Sense & Edibility: Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Sense & Edibility
Five Cheese Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream, and heat until warm.
- Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, blue cheese, Parmesan, and Gruyère, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.