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5 Cheese Crack and Cheese

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  • Author: Lidia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings as main, 8–10 as side
  • Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This 5 Cheese Crack and Cheese is a rich, ultra-creamy baked macaroni and cheese featuring five cheeses and a buttery cracker topping. Perfect as a comforting main or side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Add cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses gradually, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
  9. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  10. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
  11. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
  12. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Swap provolone with Gruyère or Fontina for a nuttier flavor.
  • Add jalapeños or cayenne for heat.
  • Include chicken for a heartier version.
  • Use panko instead of crackers for extra crunch.
  • Smoked gouda adds a deeper flavor profile.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Find it online: https://recipeshype.com/5-cheese-crack-and-cheese/