Description
A comforting and creamy baked mac and cheese with five different cheeses, perfect for gatherings and cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- Salt, for boiling water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni for about 6-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until combined, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Stir in the milk and heavy cream slowly, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until fully combined.
- Lower the heat and slowly add all five cheeses, reserving 1/2 cup for the topping. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated parmesan. Sprinkle this over the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the cheese mixture. This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg