5 Cheese Crack and Cheese

You’re in for an ultra-indulgent treat! 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese (a fun spin on “mac and cheese”) is the ultimate comfort food — loaded with creamy, melty cheeses and a buttery, crispy topping that’s totally addictive. It’s rich, decadent, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you want to impress.

🧀🔥 5-Cheese Crack & Cheese

📋 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

🍝 For the pasta:

1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Salted water (for boiling)

🧀 For the cheese sauce:

4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream (or use all milk for lighter version)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp mustard powder (optional, for depth)
Salt & pepper, to taste

🧀 The 5 Cheeses:

1 cup sharp cheddar (classic base)
1 cup mozzarella (melty and stretchy)
1 cup Gruyère or Swiss (nutty and smooth)
1 cup Monterey Jack (creamy and mild)
1/2 cup Parmesan (salty, rich flavor)

🍞 Topping (optional but crack-worthy):

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
Extra Parmesan or shredded cheddar

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2. Make the roux

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux (light golden).
Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5–7 minutes).

3. Add seasonings and cheese

Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
Lower heat and stir in cheeses one handful at a time, melting each before adding the next.
Reserve a little cheese for topping, if desired.

4. Mix in pasta

Fold in the drained pasta until evenly coated with cheesy sauce.

5. Assemble & top

Pour mac and cheese into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top. Add reserved cheese if using.

6. Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.

🧨 Why it’s called “Crack” & Cheese:

It’s rich, gooey, crispy-topped, and completely addictive. Some versions also include crumbled bacon or ranch seasoning — feel free to add either if you’re feeling wild!

🔄 Variations:

Add-ins: Crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Make it spicy: Add pepper jack and a pinch of cayenne.
No-bake option: Skip the oven and serve it straight from the pot — still amazing.

Want a slow cooker, individual serving, or bacon-ranch twist on this?