🧀 Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese (Smoky, Creamy, Golden Perfection!)

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📋 Quick Snapshot

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 hearty portions
Calories: ~650 kcal per serving
Diet Tags: Vegetarian, Comfort Food, Crowd Favorite
Skill Level: Intermediate

✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a cheese lover (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this rich and comforting baked mac & cheese is your new obsession. Packed with five kinds of cheese—each bringing its own melt, tang, and smokiness—this dish is the ultimate indulgent centerpiece for holidays, Sunday suppers, or whenever your soul says “comfort food, please.”

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown

🍝 For the Pasta

  • 1 lb large elbow macaroni

  • 1½ tbsp kosher salt (for boiling)

🧈 For the Cheese Sauce

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk

  • 1 tsp seasoned salt

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp ground mustard

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

🧀 The Cheese Lineup (Shredded)

  • 2 cups extra sharp cheddar

  • 2 cups American cheese or Velveeta

  • 2 cups smoked gouda

  • 2 cups smoked gruyère

  • 2 cups colby jack
    👉 Reserve ½ cup of each cheese (except American/Velveeta) for topping.

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

Stage 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water.

  2. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 10 minutes—just under al dente.

  3. Drain but do not rinse. Set aside warm.

Stage 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Whisk together evaporated milk and egg in a bowl.

  3. Slowly pour the milk mix into the pot, whisking constantly.

  4. Add all seasonings and stir to combine.

  5. Add in all but reserved shredded cheeses. Stir until melted and silky.

Stage 3: Combine and Taste

  1. Fold the cooked pasta gently into the cheese sauce.

  2. Taste and tweak seasoning if needed (yes, a bite or two for science!).

Stage 4: Assemble & Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mac mixture.

  3. Top with the reserved cheese blend.

  4. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

  5. Remove foil and bake uncovered 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.

  6. Let rest 10 minutes before digging in.

💡 Kristy’s Tips & Variations

  • Spicy Touch: That pinch of cayenne really elevates the blend—don’t skip it if you like a gentle back heat!

  • Pasta Swap: Cavatappi or penne also hold onto sauce beautifully.

  • Make-Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the day before, then bake fresh!

🧮 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
650 28g 38g 41g

Note: These are estimates based on standard ingredients. W-W friends can modify using reduced-fat cheeses or plant-based milk for lighter options.

🧀 FAQs

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Let cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F until hot throughout.

Can I leave out the egg?
Sure! The egg helps with structure, but it’s not essential. You’ll just have a slightly looser bake.

What if I don’t like smoked cheeses?
Sub in regular gouda and gruyère—this mac is versatile!

🥄 Kristy’s Final Note

This isn’t your average mac. It’s deeply cheesy, a little smoky, and unapologetically rich—the kind of dish people ask you to bring to the potluck. Whether you’re a mac traditionalist or love a gourmet twist, this version strikes the perfect balance. Happy baking, and don’t forget to sneak a forkful before serving!

📣 Let’s Stay Connected

If you make this recipe, tag me @KristyCookRecipes and use #MacMadnessMagic on social. I LOVE seeing your gooey, golden masterpieces. 💛🧄🧀

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