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the ultimate 5 cheese baked mac and cheese

(1 rating)
Adashofloverecipepage avatar
Recipe by
Nor Mac
@Adashofloverecipepage
Northern, MA

This is a favorite recipe with a twist. Rather than using all sharp cheddar cheese. I decided to use five different cheeses. It resulted in a yummy, creamy and flavorful mac & cheese. This is the ultimate comfort food. . Enjoy!

(1 rating)
yield 16 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 40 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For the ultimate 5 cheese baked mac and cheese

  • NOTE: YOU MAY DIVIDE INGREDIENTS IN HALF TO MAKE A SMALLER BATCH. CONTINUE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
  • 1 lb
    elbow macaroni cooked aldente, and drained per instructions on box
  • 2 Tbsp
    butter
  • TOPPING
  • 1 c
    seasoned panko bread crumbs or crushed ritz crackers
  • 2-4 Tbsp
    butter. use 2 tablespoons for panko. more for crackers
  • CHEESE SAUCE
  • 4 Tbsp
    butter
  • 1/4 c
    flour
  • 4 c
    whole milk
  • 1 tsp
    salt
  • 1/2 tsp
    black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    mustard powder
  • 16 oz
    cottage cheese whipped. i used my food processor
  • 1 1/2 c
    shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 c
    swiss cheese shredded
  • 1 c
    american cheese shredded
  • 2 c
    mozzarella cheese shreded

How To Make the ultimate 5 cheese baked mac and cheese

  • 1
    Note: you may divide recipe ingredients in half to make a smaller pan.
  • 2
    Preheat oven to 350°.
  • 3
    Salt water for macaroni. Bring water to a boil. Cook per instructions on box and drain.
  • 4
    After draining macaroni. Pour back into large kettle. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Stiruntil melted and macaroni is coated evenly. Set aside.
  • 5
    Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in large Dutch oven. Add in the flour. Over medium low heat Stir frequently until thickened .
  • 6
    Add in the milk and cottage cheese. Followed by salt, pepper, and mustard. Raise temperature of stove to medium high heat. Stir constantly until well combined and hot.
  • 7
    Mix the painko bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and set aside
  • 8
    Add the cheddar, American, Swiss, and mozzarella cheese to the hot milk mixture. Stir over heat until the cheese is melted in well.
  • 9
    Add in the macaroni and stir well to combine.
  • 10
    Pour into large buttered 9 x 13” pan or casserole. You may also foil line and butter it before adding macaroni.
  • 11
    Sprinkle with Panko breadcrumbs. Bake in oven until top of panko crumbs are golden brown. Approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in fridge .
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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