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–+ servings
Five Cheese Delight

Five Cheese Delight

Creamy 5-cheese mac and cheese with a crispy panko crust. Easy baked comfort food recipe ready in 40 minutes, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for sauce
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • q.s. salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted for topping
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining
  • Large saucepan (at least 3 quarts) for the cheese sauce
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then stir in flour to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, cooking until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Gruyère, and fontina until melted and smooth.
  6. Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  7. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan, then sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown, then let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 24gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For a creamier sauce, ensure dairy ingredients are at room temperature before use. Feel free to customize by adding cooked proteins such as bacon, chicken, or lobster. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven for optimal texture.
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