Skip to content
5-Cheese Crack & Cheese 🧀🔥
The ultimate creamy, gooey, irresistible mac and cheese with FIVE cheeses for maximum flavor and that perfect pull!
📝 Ingredients
Cheese Blend (The Magic Mix!)
-
2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded (for bold flavor)
-
1 cup mozzarella, shredded (for stretch)
-
1 cup Gruyère, shredded (for nutty depth)
-
½ cup Parmesan, grated (for salty punch)
-
½ cup cream cheese, cubed (for ultra-creaminess)
Base & Seasonings
-
1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for extra chew)
-
¼ cup butter
-
¼ cup flour (for roux)
-
3 cups whole milk (warmed)
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
½ tsp smoked paprika (secret weapon!)
-
½ tsp mustard powder (or 1 tbsp Dijon)
-
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Upgrades
-
½ cup crispy bacon bits
-
1 cup caramelized onions
-
Hot sauce or cayenne for heat
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
-
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain (don’t rinse!).
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
-
Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour to make a roux (1 min).
-
Slowly add warm milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer 3–5 mins until thickened.
-
Reduce heat, stir in cream cheese until melted.
-
Gradually add cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan, stirring until gooey.
-
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard, salt & pepper.
3. Combine & Bake (Optional Crispy Top!)
-
Mix sauce with pasta. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
-
Optional: Top with extra cheddar + buttery breadcrumbs (¼ cup panko + 1 tbsp melted butter).
-
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 mins until bubbly and golden.
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Shred your own cheese (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that make sauce grainy).
✅ Use warm milk to prevent clumping.
✅ For stovetop mac: Skip baking—just stir in cooked pasta and devour!
🌟 Why This Is Next-Level
✔️ 5 cheeses = insane flavor layers (no one-note cheese glue here!).
✔️ Cream cheese = velvety texture (no gritty or broken sauce!).
✔️ Smoked paprika + mustard add depth (no bland mac!).
Pair with: A crisp lager or roasted broccoli to pretend it’s healthy. 😉
🔥 Call it “Crack & Cheese” because you’ll be addicted! Want a lighter version or spicy twist? Ask me! 🧀
