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Five Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
Emily

Five Cheese Mac & Cheese

This ultimate baked mac and cheese features a blend of five rich cheeses — sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, Parmesan, and cream cheese — for the creamiest, most indulgent comfort food. Golden and bubbly from the oven, it’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Whisk
  • large baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish. Cook macaroni according to package until al dente, then drain well.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add softened cream cheese and milk, whisking until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Add drained macaroni to the pot, stirring to coat each piece in sauce.
  5. Add cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and sauce is rich and creamy.
  6. Spoon mixture into greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until top is golden and bubbling.
  7. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm and gooey!

Notes

For extra crunch, top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking. You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead and refrigerate it, then assemble and bake when ready. Swap gouda for fontina or provolone if preferred.