Description
This Five Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich, creamy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, parmesan, and cream cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted, then add cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and half the parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier top. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Cook pasta slightly under to prevent mushiness during baking.
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Add a bit of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 75mg