This Five Cheese Macaroni Bake is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, rich, and packed with layers of cheesy goodness. A blend of five distinct cheeses combines with tender macaroni and a hint of spice to create a perfectly balanced dish with a golden, bubbling crust. Ideal for weeknight dinners, holidays, or potlucks, it’s a decadent twist on classic mac and cheese that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or similar pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)