Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese 

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 1 lb large elbow macaroni
• 1½ tablespoons kosher salt (for boiling pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3½ cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but recommended)

Five Cheeses (about 4½–5 cups total)

• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Topping (Optional but Amazing )

• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add salt and macaroni.
3. Cook 1–2 minutes less than package directions (al dente).
4. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes (do not brown).
3. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream.
4. Cook until slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).
5. Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard.
6. Lower heat and stir in cheeses one handful at a time, reserving a little for topping.
7. Stir until smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce.
3. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Add the Topping

1. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and cheese.
2. Sprinkle evenly over mac & cheese.

5. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
• For extra crisp topping, broil for 2–3 minutes (watch closely).

Serving Tips

Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving
Add crispy bacon or jalapeños if you like
Perfect with salad or roasted veggies

Why This Mac & Cheese Is “Ultimate”

Ultra creamy
Five-cheese flavor bomb
Crispy golden topping
Crowd-pleaser every time