Name: Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 tablespoons (23 grams) kosher salt, or less for salting the pasta water; 16 ounces (454 grams) large elbow macaroni; 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, sliced; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 3/4 cups (1 12-ounce can or 354 milliliters) evaporated milk (or whole milk); 1 tablespoon (14 grams) seasoned salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic; 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated onion; 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 16 ounces (4 cups or 453 grams) Velveeta cheese (or American cheese, shredded); 8 ounces (2 1/2 cups or 227 grams) extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided); 8 ounces (2 cups or 227 grams) colby jack cheese, shredded (divided); 8 ounces (2 1/2 cups or 227 grams) smoked gouda cheese (or plain), shredded (divided); 8 ounces (2 1/2 cups or 227 grams) smoked gruyere cheese (or plain), shredded (divided)

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If you are a true cheese lover looking to dive into a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the creamiest, dreamiest blend of Velveeta, extra sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, smoked gruyere, and colby jack melting together with tender pasta, all baked to golden bubbly perfection. Every bite delivers layers of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors that come together in pure comfort food magic. This recipe has become a personal favorite for family gatherings and cozy nights, and I’m excited to share all the secrets to nail it perfectly every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a large silver pot on a stove with black grates, filled with cooked elbow macaroni pasta that is light yellow and soft-looking. A woman's hand holds a wooden spoon stirring the pasta inside the pot. The background surface is white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully picked ingredients. Each component plays an essential role—offering balance between rich dairy, perfectly cooked pasta, and warm spices that make every forkful irresistible.

Kosher salt (1 1/2 tablespoons or less): Used for seasoning pasta water to enhance flavor right from the start.
Large elbow macaroni (16 ounces): The classic pasta shape that grabs onto all that cheesy goodness perfectly.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick): Adds richness and helps coat the macaroni for silky texture.
Large egg (lightly beaten): Provides creaminess and helps set the cheese sauce as it bakes.
Evaporated milk (1 3/4 cups): Creates a luxuriously smooth sauce base that’s richer than regular milk.
Seasoned salt (1 tablespoon): Brings savory depth without overpowering the cheese.
Granulated garlic & onion (1 1/2 teaspoons each): Add subtle aromatic layers that complement the cheeses.
Ground mustard (3/4 teaspoon): Enhances sharpness and balances the creaminess.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and a beautiful hint of color.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just enough kick to brighten every bite.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who want a tiny spark of heat.
Velveeta cheese (16 ounces): The ultimate melty cheese that forms the creamy backbone of the dish.
Extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces): Adds bold, tangy flavor and sharpness in every forkful.
Colby jack cheese (8 ounces): Offers a mild, creamy contrast to sharper cheeses.
Smoked gouda cheese (8 ounces): Delivers a subtle smoky richness with a smooth melt.
Smoked gruyere cheese (8 ounces): Brings nutty, smoky notes and complexity to the cheese blend.

How to Make Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Separate the Cheeses

Start by carefully dividing your shredded cheeses. Reserve half a cup of each shredded sharp cheddar, colby jack, smoked gouda, and smoked gruyere, then toss those reserved bits together in a small bowl for the topping. This little extra cheese mix will create a perfectly bubbly and golden crust once baked.

Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

It’s important to preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9x13x3-inch casserole dish with melted butter or non-stick spray. This ensures your macaroni and cheese layers won’t stick and will slide out perfectly when it’s time to eat.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

Bring a huge pot of water to a rolling boil, then add a tablespoon of kosher salt to season it well. Toss in the elbow macaroni and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Boil the pasta for 10 minutes until it’s just tender—perfectly al dente—then drain it well in a colander. This step is crucial since overcooked pasta can get mushy after baking.

Step 4: Mix the Milk and Spices

In a separate bowl, lightly beat one large egg and whisk together evaporated milk along with all of the spices: seasoned salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne. This flavorful mixture adds that amazing depth and creaminess to your sauce, elevating the cheese blend.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Butter and Sauces

Return your drained macaroni to the same large pot and melt the butter over medium heat. Stir the macaroni to coat it in butter, then pour in your milk and spice mixture, stirring gently to combine everything evenly before adding cheeses.

Step 6: Add the Cheeses and Stir

Fold in the remaining Velveeta, extra sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, smoked gruyere, and colby jack into the pot, stirring carefully. Don’t worry if the cheeses don’t fully melt yet—that beautiful slow melt will happen in the oven and create that classic rich texture you crave.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into your prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle the reserved cheese mixture evenly on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil sprayed on the underside with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 25-30 minutes uncovered until the top is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, allow your Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the sauce set slightly so every spoonful holds its luscious texture.

How to Serve Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

A rectangular white baking dish filled with baked macaroni and cheese that has a golden brown top layer of melted cheese with small browned spots. The macaroni under the cheese layer is pale yellow, showing through slightly around the edges. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a white spoon resting on a colorful checked cloth with red, orange, purple, green, blue, and white squares. To the left of the dish is a round white plate with a dark interior. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Though the baked topping is beautiful on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and fresh contrast to the rich cheese. For a little extra indulgence, try a dusting of crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of truffle oil for elegance.

Side Dishes

This cheesy masterpiece pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, or even tangy pickles to cut through the richness. For a cozy meal, serve it alongside garlic-buttered bread or oven-roasted chicken for satisfying comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe to the next level by serving it in individual ramekins for a cute presentation at dinner parties, or even stuffing it into bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes for a colorful twist. You can also top it with spicy breadcrumbs or crushed pretzels before baking for an exciting crunchy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover macaroni and cheese keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to preserve moisture and prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the baked dish by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil or using freezer-safe containers. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent excess browning. Microwave reheating works for smaller portions but might sacrifice some texture and creaminess. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry during reheating to revive the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect for holding cheese sauce, you can substitute with shells, cavatappi, penne, or even rigatoni to give a different texture and presentation.

Is Velveeta necessary to make the dish this creamy?

Velveeta melts exceptionally well and provides that ultra-smooth foundation, but you can swap in American cheese or a combination of other melting cheeses if you prefer. Just keep in mind it affects texture and flavor slightly.

How spicy is this recipe with the cayenne pepper?

The cayenne is optional and only adds a subtle warmth that doesn’t overpower the dish’s cheesy goodness. Feel free to omit it if you prefer no heat or increase it slightly if you love a good kick!

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free elbow macaroni or any other gluten-free pasta variety. Make sure your seasonings and cheese are also gluten-free to keep it safe.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying the dish out?

The oven is your best bet—reheat covered at a moderate temperature with a splash of milk or cream, so the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t dry out like microwave reheating sometimes causes.

Final Thoughts

This Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is truly a celebration of everything great about comfort food: rich, creamy, cheesy, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating just yourself, this dish delivers silky smooth layers of cheese and perfectly tender pasta baked together into golden bliss. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with a new all-time favorite!