The Best 5 Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | Creamy, Easy Homemade Mac & Cheese

Looking for the ultimate homemade mac and cheese recipe? This Best 5 Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese is irresistibly creamy, rich, and loaded with five delicious cheeses—sharp cheddar, Velveeta, Asiago, mozzarella, and Gouda—for the perfect balance of flavor and melt. Baked until golden and bubbly with a crispy, cheesy topping, this easy comfort food recipe is perfect for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings. Ready in just 55 minutes, this crowd-pleasing side dish pairs perfectly with baked chicken, grilled steak, barbecue ribs, pulled pork, meatloaf, or holiday ham. If you're searching for the best baked macaroni and cheese recipe, this cheesy classic is sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 10–12 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

• 1 tablespoon salt (for the pasta water)

Cheese Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups whole milk, warmed

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Cheese Blend

• 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

• 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese

Topping

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until smooth and lightly golden.

Slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream until the mixture is completely smooth.

Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low.

Gradually stir in:

• Sharp cheddar

• Velveeta

• Gouda

• Mozzarella

• Asiago

Continue stirring until the sauce is silky smooth and all the cheese has melted.

Step 5: Combine

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until every piece of pasta is coated.

Pour the macaroni into the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

Drizzle with melted butter and lightly dust with smoked paprika.

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges.

For a deeper golden crust, broil for 2–3 minutes while watching carefully.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese sauce set while remaining perfectly creamy.

Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

• Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt.

• Warm the milk before adding it to the roux.

• Don't overcook the pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven.

• Let the baked macaroni rest before serving for the best texture.

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a subtle kick of heat.

Serving Suggestions

This 5-cheese macaroni and cheese pairs beautifully with:

• Buttery garlic baked chicken

• BBQ ribs

• Smoked brisket

• Meatloaf

• Fried chicken

• Pulled pork

• Grilled steak

• Green beans

• Roasted broccoli

• Garlic bread

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.

Closing Remarks

There's nothing quite like homemade macaroni and cheese made from scratch, and this Ultimate 5-Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese delivers the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. The combination of sharp cheddar, Velveeta, Asiago, mozzarella, and Gouda creates a rich, flavorful dish that's sure to impress family and friends. Whether it's part of a holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or an easy weeknight meal, this comforting classic is one recipe you'll find yourself making again and again. Enjoy every warm, cheesy bite!

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