Five Cheese Mac Cheese (Printer-Friendly)
Creamy baked pasta enriched with five cheeses for a rich, comforting meal everyone will love.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta base
01 -
1 lb elbow macaroni
→ Five amazing cheeses
02 -
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 -
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
04 -
1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
05 -
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
06 -
1 cup cream cheese, softened
→ Creamy sauce base
07 -
½ cup whole milk
08 -
¼ cup unsalted butter
09 -
1 tsp garlic powder
10 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a large baking dish. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
02 -
In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add softened cream cheese and milk, whisking constantly until smooth and lump-free.
03 -
Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
04 -
Add drained macaroni to the pot and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
05 -
Add sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and Parmesan cheeses to the pot. Stir gently until all cheeses melt and form a rich, creamy sauce enveloping every noodle.
06 -
Transfer cheesy mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
07 -
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving to let cheese firm slightly. Serve warm and enjoy.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Substitute cheeses like Havarti, fontina, or gruyere to vary flavor. Add cooked bacon, rotisserie chicken, or jalapeños for added complexity. Assemble in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Reheat with a splash of milk at 300°F to restore creaminess. Freshly grated cheese improves sauce texture significantly.