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Ultimate Five Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe (Easy & Creamy)

Ultimate Five Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe (Easy & Creamy)
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 from 1212 votes

 Perfect Five Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe with sharp cheddar, gruyere, fontina, gouda & cream cheese. Creamy, gooey, and irresistible!

 

 

 

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 1 pound large elbow macaroni or cavatappi
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt

Five-Cheese Blend:

  • 8 oz sharp white cheddar, freshly grated
  • 6 oz Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
  • 6 oz fontina cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 oz smoked gouda, freshly grated
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened

Creamy Base:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

 

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 cup reserved cheese mixture

Instructions

  • Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  • Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Make Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add warm milk and cream, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add Seasonings: Remove from heat. Whisk in egg yolk, Dijon, and all seasonings.
  • Melt Cheese: Add cream cheese first, then gradually add remaining cheeses in small handfuls, stirring until melted. Reserve 1/2 cup mixed cheese for topping.
  • Combine: Fold pasta into cheese sauce. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
  • Top and Bake: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and reserved cheese. Sprinkle over mac and cheese. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

 

  • Rest and Serve: Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Always use freshly grated cheese for best melting
  • Pasta water can be added if sauce seems too thick
  • Can be assembled 48 hours ahead and refrigerated

 

  • Freezes well for up to 3 months

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://livelydish.com/five-cheese-mac-and-cheese/