Introduction

Craving a cheesy, creamy, and indulgent dish? Look no further than this Yummy 5 Cheese Crack & Cheese! A rich, mouthwatering mac and cheese dish loaded with five different types of cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. The creamy texture paired with that crispy, golden-brown topping will have you hooked at first bite. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this recipe will satisfy all cheese lovers!

Ingredients

  • For the Mac & Cheese:
    • 1 pound elbow macaroni
    • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
    • ½ cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
    • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
    • ½ cup cream cheese, softened
    • 4 cups whole milk
    • 4 tablespoons butter
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Topping:
    • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
    • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (thickening mixture).
  2. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens (around 5-7 minutes).
  3. Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth.
  4. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Slowly add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
  2. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the breadcrumbs mixture and mix it in.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pour the cheese-covered macaroni into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Evenly spread the breadcrumb topping over the mac and cheese.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool for a few minutes.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

  • Calories: ~600 kcal
  • Protein: ~25g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fat: ~35g
  • Fiber: ~2g

Tips for Success

  1. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may affect the creaminess of the sauce. Freshly shredded cheese gives you the best texture.
  2. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.
  3. Customize the Cheese Blend: Feel free to switch up the cheese selection based on your preference. Aged cheddar or fontina can add a unique flavor.
  4. Make it Extra Creamy: For an even creamier sauce, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip any meat or add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty, vegetarian version of this dish.
  • Add-ins: Mix in cooked chicken, bacon, or sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Healthier Version: To make this recipe a bit lighter, use whole-wheat macaroni and opt for low-fat milk and cheese options.

Meal Prep and Storage

This 5 Cheese Crack & Cheese is great for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or bake in the oven until heated through.

Freezing Instructions:

  1. After baking, allow the mac and cheese to cool completely.
  2. Store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
  3. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While the blend of cheeses used in this recipe gives a unique flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Havarti, or even pepper jack for a spicier option.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free elbow macaroni if you need to make this dish gluten-free.

How can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate the dish for up to a day. When ready, bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

This Yummy 5 Cheese Crack & Cheese is not your average mac and cheese — it’s indulgent, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The five cheese blend creates an irresistibly rich sauce, while the crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. Whether you serve it as a side or the star of the show, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Enjoy your cheesy creation and share it with friends and family! They’ll be asking for seconds!