6 Cheese Macaroni Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup gouda cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• Salt, for boiling water (about 1 tablespoon)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)