Creamy Five-Cheese Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Dish by Mr. Make It Happen

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Introduction

There’s something about mac and cheese that just screams comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying—perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. Today, I’m sharing a rich and indulgent mac and cheese recipe featuring not just one, but five delicious cheeses! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

First things first, let’s get started by measuring out all of our ingredients and shredding the cheese. I prefer to shred my cheese versus buying the pre-shredded because it tastes better and doesn’t have the anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting into a silky smooth sauce.

When selecting your cheese for this recipe, be mindful of how you want to balance the flavors. A lot of recipes get cute and say things like 6 or 7 cheese Mac and cheese etc, which is cool – as long as there is balance.

For example, I would not recommend getting multiples of cheese with the same flavor notes (sharp, smokey, nutty, salty, etc).

Choice of Cheese?

Mozzarella: 

Creamy Texture

Mozzarella melts beautifully, contributing to a smooth and creamy consistency in cheese sauces. Its stringy nature also adds a delightful mouthfeel.

Mild Flavor

With a mild taste, mozzarella allows other flavors in the cheese sauce to shine without overpowering them. This makes it a great base cheese, especially in blends.

Sharp Cheddar:

Robust Flavor

Sharp cheddar has a strong, tangy flavor that adds depth to cheese sauces. It can elevate the overall taste profile, making the dish more complex and satisfying.

Good Melting Properties

While sharp cheddar may not melt as smoothly as some milder cheeses, it still creates a creamy texture when combined with other cheeses. When properly melted, it contributes to a luscious sauce.

Parmesan:

Umami Flavor

Parmesan is known for its rich umami taste, which adds depth and complexity to cheese sauces. This savory flavor enhances the overall profile of the dish.

Saltiness

Parmesan has a natural saltiness that can help season your cheese sauce. This means you may not need to add as much extra salt, making it easier to control the overall flavor.

Nutty Aroma

The distinct nutty flavor of parmesan provides an aromatic quality that elevates the sauce, making it more inviting and delicious.

Smoked Gouda:

Rich, Smoky Flavor

The distinctive smoky flavor of smoked gouda adds depth and complexity to cheese sauce, giving it a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional cheese sauces.

Creamy Texture

Smoked gouda melts beautifully, contributing to a smooth and creamy consistency in the sauce. This enhances the overall mouthfeel, making every bite delightful.

Colby Jack

Mild and Creamy Flavor

Colby Jack has a mild, buttery flavor that complements other cheeses well without overpowering them. This makes it an excellent base cheese for a balanced cheese sauce.

Smooth Melting Properties

Colby Jack melts beautifully, contributing to a smooth and creamy texture in cheese sauces. Its melting qualities help create a luscious sauce that coats pasta or other ingredients evenly.

Colorful Appearance

The marbled appearance of Colby Jack adds visual interest to your cheese sauce, making it more appealing on the plate.

Now that we are done lecturing about cheese choices, let’s get to cooking.

Boil the Noodles

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni noodles. In a large pot, combine the water and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then add the noodles. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. This will help thicken your cheese sauce.

Next, slowly add the half and half and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for a few minutes.

Add the Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low, and start adding your cheeses—mozzarella, cheddar, havarti, parmesan, and smoked gouda—stirring until each one is melted and fully incorporated. If you’re feeling adventurous, add the sweet condensed milk for an extra layer of creaminess.

Season to Taste

Stir in the sour cream for a bit of tang, then season your cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Combine

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every noodle is coated in that luscious, cheesy goodness.

Bake 

For an extra touch, you can transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. 

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked or if you prefer it creamy and stovetop, serve your mac and cheese hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp salad or can be enjoyed solo!

Final Thoughts

This creamy five-cheese mac and cheese is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a night when you need some comfort food. With a blend of rich cheeses and the option for some extra seasonings, you can make it your own. So grab your fork, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

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Full Recipe Available Here