What’s better than mac and cheese? Mac and cheese made with six different cheeses! Yum!
Mac and cheese is a classic dish enjoyed by just about everyone! Gooey, satisfying and topped with a cheesy crust, there is nothing more irresistible.
A simple Google search for mac and cheese is bound to leave your mouth watering, but it can be hard knowing which recipe is best. So you will be pleased to discover you’ve found the perfect recipe right here! This luscious 6 Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe is perfect for everything from family gatherings to a midweek meal.
When preparing mac and cheese it is important to avoid making the very common mistake of using only one type of cheese (usually cheddar).
If you really want to add depth to your mac and cheese, you should use a blend of cheeses. It is such a highly adaptable dish that you can use just about any type of cheese that you and your family enjoy. Some cheeses to try include:
– Sharp cheddar
– Gouda
– Gruyere
– Brie
– Goat’s cheese
– Parmesan
After hours of taste tasting, we can also confirm the cheeses we tend to avoid using in mac and cheese:
– Pre-shredded cheese (any type)
– Feta
– Monterey Jack (we know many will disagree, but the after taste of it is quite unpleasant!)
We also find that some people like to get a bit creative with the types of pasta they use to make their mac and cheese. Whilst we definitely love creativity, there are only certain types of pasta that lend themselves well to this classic dish. Of course, elbow macaroni is one of the best shapes, but you can use any short and stubby pasta shapes that hold in sauce. Penne, fusilli and cavatappi will all work well.
Many people avoid seasoning their mac and cheese, which will leave it tasting quite bland. Always be sure to reach for the salt, pepper and even some paprika.
So, let’s get cooking! This mac and cheese recipe serves six and requires only 15 minutes prep time.
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6 Cheese Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 6 cups Elbow Macaroni cooked
- 1 stick Butter
- 4 tablespoons Flour
- 2 cups Half & Half
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 5 cups Cheese shredded and divided – use a mix of Havarti, Parmesan, White Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gouda, and Velveeta
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan.
- Once the butter is melted, let it brown slightly to add a depth of flavor. Stir in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to avoid it sticking and burning.
- Pour in the half and half and the heavy cream and stir until it comes to a boil and starts to thicken.
- Stir in 4 cups of cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and sour cream. Cook for 3 minutes on a low heat, stirring frequently until it forms a smooth sauce.
- Add in the cooked pasta and stir well.
- Transfer into a baking dish and top with a cup of cheese and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Cook for 30-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.