Name: 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups milk; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 3 tbsp melted butter; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Additional paprika and garlic powder as desired for seasoning

If you are ready to elevate your comfort food game, look no further than the creamy, irresistible 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese. This recipe combines five different cheeses in a perfect balance of gooey, savory goodness with just the right amount of crunchy topping, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a rich dinner side or a cozy meal all on its own, the 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese delivers that warm, melty satisfaction every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, it hits every craving spot for a cozy dinner.
Crunchy Topping Surprise: The crisp crackly topping adds the perfect texture contrast to the smooth cheese sauce.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: No complicated steps, just combining quality cheeses and pantry staples for maximum taste.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this classic with a flavorful twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese uses simple yet essential ingredients that complement one another to create a luscious and flavorful dish — each element plays a crucial role from creamy texture to perfect melt to crunchy top.

Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and provides a familiar base.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a tangy depth and a rich golden color to the mix.
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a smooth, gooey melt for that signature stretchy cheese appeal.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty punch that intensifies flavor complexity.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Ensures creaminess with subtle buttery notes.
Cream Cheese: Gives extra creaminess and richness, preventing the sauce from drying out.
Butter: Used for the sauce base and the crunchy topping to enrich texture and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the béchamel cheese sauce perfectly.
Milk: The creamy liquid base that turns the cheese mixture into a luscious sauce.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates that addictive crackly topping everyone loves.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika): Essential for balancing and enhancing the cheesy flavors.

Variations for 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese

Everyone’s taste buds are different, so feel free to adapt the 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Swapping cheeses or adding mix-ins makes this dish versatile and always exciting to customize.

Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a nice kick.
Veggie Boost: Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers for added nutrition and color.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and panko breadcrumbs to keep it safe for gluten intolerant eaters.
Smoky Flavor: Try smoked gouda or add a dash of smoked paprika for depth and warmth.
Protein Packed: Mix in cooked bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken for a more filling meal.

How to Make 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking until it bubbles but doesn’t brown. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, cooking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni and mix gently but thoroughly to coat every piece in cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a sprinkle of paprika and garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the cheesy mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, spread the panko mixture evenly on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese

Use Fresh Cheese: Always grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy results.
Low and Slow for Sauce: Don’t rush the roux; smooth sauce depends on gently cooking flour and gradually adding milk.
Layer Flavors: Mix different cheeses for a balanced taste and texture, with sharp cheddar for bite and mozzarella for creaminess.
Even Topping Distribution: Spread the buttery panko topping evenly to get a consistent crunchy crust on every bite.

How to Serve 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of truffle oil can also elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich cheese dish with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or tangy pickled sides to balance the creaminess and provide refreshing contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese in mini ramekins for individual portions, create a layered casserole with vegetables and meats, or stuff it into large bell peppers for an impressive twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cheese sauce may thicken but reheats beautifully.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to preserve texture and avoid drying out, or microwave in short bursts stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, shells, rotini, or cavatappi also work wonderfully because they hold creamy cheese sauce well.

What cheeses work best for 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese?

A combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese provides ideal balance of flavor, creaminess, and meltability.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as long as the cheeses used don’t contain animal rennet, this recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly.

How can I make the crunchy topping without breadcrumbs?

You can substitute crushed crackers, cornflakes, or even crushed nuts to achieve similar crunchy textures on top.

Can I prepare 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything and refrigerate before baking. Bake right before serving for the best texture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

The 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese recipe is a dreamy celebration of everything we love about mac and cheese with extra layers of flavor and texture. It’s a foolproof crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm, cheesy hug with every bite. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon — your cravings will thank you!

5-Cheese Crack & Cheese

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

5-Cheese Crack & Cheese is a creamy, indulgent mac and cheese recipe featuring a perfect blend of five cheeses for rich, gooey meltiness, topped with a crunchy, buttery panko crust. This ultimate comfort food is easy to make, family-friendly, and delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures, ideal as a hearty side or cozy main dish.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking until bubbly but not browned. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring until melted and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni and gently but thoroughly mix to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.
Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, paprika, and garlic powder for added flavor.
Bake Until Golden: Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, evenly spread the panko breadcrumb mixture on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

Use fresh, freshly grated cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
Cook pasta al dente since it will cook further in the oven.
Cook the roux gently and add milk gradually to achieve a smooth sauce.
Mix multiple cheeses to balance sharpness and creaminess.
Evenly distribute the panko topping for consistent crunch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat gently at 325°F (160°C) or microwave in short bursts to preserve texture.