Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

Creamy, golden, cheesy goodness in every bite — the perfect comfort food classic made gourmet.
By Clare | June 5, 2025

Mac and Cheese: A Love Story in Every Scoop

Few dishes spark joy quite like a bubbling tray of homemade baked macaroni and cheese. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a show-stopping side at a holiday dinner or enjoying it as the main event on a cozy weeknight, mac and cheese is always a win.

But this isn’t your everyday mac. This is the Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese — a rich, velvety version that takes comfort food to gourmet levels. Every bite is creamy, flavorful, and full of depth thanks to a decadent blend of five cheeses: cheddar, gouda, gruyère, American (or Velveeta), and colby jack. Together, they create the ultimate sauce that hugs every curve of the pasta.

Prepare to impress guests, satisfy your family, and most importantly — treat yourself to one of the most beloved comfort foods in the culinary universe.

🛒 Ingredients (US Cup Measures)

For the Pasta

• 1 lb large elbow macaroni

• 1½ tablespoons kosher salt (for boiling pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 large egg

• 2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic

• 1 teaspoon granulated onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground mustard

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

Cheeses (shredded)

• 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese

• 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 the topping before baking.

⏱ Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Servings: 8 generous portions

• Calories: ~650 kcal per serving

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Stage 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

2. Add 1½ tablespoons of kosher salt to flavor the pasta.

3. Stir in 1 lb of large elbow macaroni and cook for about 10 minutes, until just shy of al dente.

4. Drain the pasta — but do not rinse. Keeping the starch helps the sauce cling beautifully. Set aside.

Stage 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

2. In a bowl, whisk together 2 cans of evaporated milk and 1 large egg until smooth.

3. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the butter while whisking constantly to avoid curdling.

4. Stir in the seasonings: seasoned salt, garlic, onion powder, mustard, paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne.

5. Add all cheeses (except the reserved topping amounts) — cheddar, American/Velveeta, gouda, gruyère, and colby jack. Stir until everything is melted and creamy.

Stage 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, coating every piece thoroughly.

2. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking — more salt, a dash of spice, or an extra pinch of mustard powder if you like it tangy.

Stage 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

3. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish and smooth it out evenly.

4. In a small bowl, combine the reserved cheeses (cheddar, gouda, gruyère, and colby jack) and sprinkle over the top.

5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to set.

6. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbling, and irresistible.

7. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

💡 Clare’s Pro Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how your sauce melts and tastes.

• Smoked cheeses = flavor magic: The combo of smoked gouda and smoked gruyère adds restaurant-level depth.

• Add crunch: Top with toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking for a crispy finish.

• Make-ahead option: Assemble up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

🧀 Serving Ideas

Serve this mac and cheese alongside roasted chicken, BBQ ribs, or a crisp green salad for balance. Or, enjoy it as the star of the show — just you, a fork, and a little bliss in every bite.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Mac and cheese isn’t just food — it’s comfort, nostalgia, and happiness all baked into one dish. This Ultimate Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese delivers the perfect mix of creamy, gooey, and golden-baked goodness that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds).

So grab your favorite baking dish, gather your cheeses, and get ready to make the best mac and cheese of your life.