Description

There's something magical about the perfect mac and cheese. It’s the quintessential comfort food that can warm your soul on the coldest of days, bring a smile to your face after a long day, or be the star of any family gathering. But not all mac and cheese dishes are created equal. Some are good, others are great, but this Five Cheese Krack N Cheese is in a league of its own. Imagine a dish so rich, so creamy, and so packed with cheesy goodness that it becomes an instant favorite among everyone who tries it. This isn’t just any mac and cheese—it’s an experience.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and whole milk until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, and gouda until melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until coated.
6. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until coated.
7. Transfer macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish and top with panko mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let cool for a few minutes and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip: The Perfect Crunch

To elevate the texture of this dish, consider mixing in some crumbled cooked bacon with the panko breadcrumbs before topping the mac and cheese. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the richness of the cheese, and it also provides an extra layer of crunch that takes this dish from delicious to unforgettable. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Sharing

This Five Cheese Krack N Cheese is more than just a side dish; it's a showstopper. The blend of five different cheeses creates a depth of flavor that is both sophisticated and utterly comforting. The creamy sauce envelops each piece of pasta, while the crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast in texture. Whether you're making it for a holiday feast, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress.

What makes it even better is its versatility—you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste, whether by adding bacon, using different types of cheese, or even throwing in some cooked vegetables for a bit of color and nutrition. However you choose to make it, one thing is certain: this mac and cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds.