5 Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

Macaroni

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups hot milk
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated colby cheese
• 1/4 cup grated monterey jack cheese
• 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated monterey jack pepper cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed small

Topping

• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or 1/2 cup grated cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Grease a 2 quart casserole dish, and preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. 2

   Cook macaroni to desired tenderness and drain, set aside.

3. 3

   Combine melted butter and breadcrumbs (if using), set aside.

4. 4

   Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly for 2 to 3 minutes,.

5. 5

   Add hot milk slowly, whisking constantly, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until thickened.

6. 6

   Add the grated cheeses to the sauce in small batches, whisking until each one is melted completely.

7. 7

   Remove from heat, add salt and pepper, and taste to see if it needs more seasoning.

8. 8

   Combine noodles and cheese sauce and mix well, then mix in cubed cheese.

9. 9

   Pour into casserole and top with breadcrumbs or cheese.

10. 10

    Bake for 30 minutes or until well browned.