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Five Cheese Baked Macaroni Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

A rich and creamy Five Cheese Macaroni casserole featuring a luscious blend of smoked Gruyere, Velveeta, sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, and Colby Jack cheeses, combined with a flavorful spice mix, baked to golden perfection. This comforting dish is perfect as a hearty main or side, delivering luscious cheesy goodness balanced with a hint of smoky and spicy notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) smoked Gruyere or plain, shredded and split
  • 16 ounces (453 grams) Velveeta or American cheese, shredded
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) sharp cheddar, shredded and separated
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) smoked Gouda or plain, shredded and split
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) Colby Jack, shredded and divided

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated onion
  • 1 tablespoon (14 grams) seasoned salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika

Other Ingredients

  • 1 large egg, beaten gently
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cut into slices
  • 1 3/4 cups (354 ml) evaporated milk or whole milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (23 grams) kosher salt, or less for pasta water
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) large elbow macaroni

Instructions

  1. Get Cheeses Ready: Prepare the cheeses by shredding them, then set aside half a cup each from the shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, Gouda, and Gruyere, excluding the Velveeta or American cheese. Toss these reserved bits together in a bowl and keep them handy for topping later.
  2. Heat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly coat a 9x13x3-inch casserole dish with melted butter or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring 4 liters of water to a boil. Add kosher salt to flavor the water. Add the large elbow macaroni and cook for about 10 minutes, until just tender. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
  4. Mix Milk and Spices: In a bowl, whisk together the beaten egg with evaporated or whole milk. Add all the spices including seasoned salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground mustard, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  5. Blend Pasta with Butter and Sauce: Return the drained macaroni to the pot. Melt the slices of unsalted butter over medium heat, then toss the pasta in the butter to coat. Pour the milk and spice mixture over the pasta and stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
  6. Add Most of the Cheese: Incorporate the shredded Velveeta, sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, smoked Gruyere, and Colby Jack cheeses into the pasta mixture. Stir until combined, but it’s okay if some cheese bits do not fully melt at this stage.
  7. Put It All in the Pan: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved cheese bits on top for a flavorful crust.
  8. Cover and Cook: Cover the casserole dish with foil, spraying the underside lightly with non-stick spray to prevent cheese from sticking to the foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  9. Uncover and Finish: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top has a light golden crust. Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Using a combination of smoked and plain cheeses adds complexity and depth of flavor.
  • Reserve some shredded cheese to sprinkle on top for a golden baked crust.
  • For a milder dish, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount.
  • Use evaporated milk for a creamier texture or whole milk for a lighter version.
  • Be careful not to overcook the macaroni; it should be just tender to avoid mushy casserole.
  • Make sure to spray foil on the inside to prevent cheese from sticking during baking.
  • Letting the dish rest after baking allows it to set and makes serving easier.

Keywords: five cheese macaroni, baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy casserole, comfort food, smoked cheese macaroni, classic mac and cheese

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/five-cheese-baked-macaroni-recipe/