Creamy Three-Cheese Mac & Cheese with a Golden Broil Recipe
This Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe features a rich blend of five cheeses and a smooth heavy cream sauce, layered with perfectly cooked macaroni noodles for an indulgent comfort food experience. Enhanced with seasoning and finished baked to golden perfection, it’s a classic dish elevated with a mix of sharp cheddar, Colby jack, gouda, mozzarella, and cream cheese, creating a luscious, creamy texture and flavorful bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses
- 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 16 oz Colby jack cheese, freshly grated
- 8 oz Gouda, freshly grated
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional)
Pasta
- 1.5 box (24 oz) macaroni noodles (cavatappi can be used as an alternative)
Dairy & Fats
- 6 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (used in cooking pasta water)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
Instructions
- Grate the Cheeses: Use a large shredder to grate all the cheeses and set them aside. Save any small cheese chunks that are too small to grate for later mixing.
- Cook the Macaroni: Prepare the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Add chicken bouillon to the boiling water to boost the flavor of the pasta.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large sauce pot, melt the salted butter over low heat, then gradually whisk in the heavy cream to create a smooth base.
- Melt the Cheese into the Sauce: Add about half of the shredded cheeses into the cream mixture, stirring until they are fully melted and incorporated. Add the cream cheese last, allowing it to melt slowly on low heat. Season the sauce with salt, onion powder, ground mustard, white pepper, and adobo. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni noodles with the cheese sauce, adding the small reserved cheese chunks. Aim for a creamy, wet mixture that makes a satisfying mixing sound, ensuring the noodles are well coated.
- Layer the Dish: Transfer half of the mac and cheese mixture into a 13×9 inch baking dish. Spread a light layer of cheese sauce and sprinkle on some shredded cheese from the remaining half. Add the rest of the noodles on top, then cover with a generous layer of shredded cheese. If needed, add extra cheddar or Colby jack cheese on the top layer for a more pronounced cheesiness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is heated through, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Broil for Finish: Turn on the broiler and broil the mac and cheese for 2 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Using a mix of cheeses provides a depth of flavor and creaminess. Feel free to substitute with similar cheeses if desired.
- Adding chicken bouillon to the pasta water enhances the fundamental flavor of the macaroni.
- If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, reduce the heavy cream slightly or simmer the sauce longer to thicken before combining with noodles.
- Keep a close eye on the dish while broiling to avoid burning the top.
- Cavatappi noodles are a great alternative that hold the sauce well due to their spiral shape.
Keywords: creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, five cheese recipe, comfort food, macaroni and cheese casserole
