5 Cheese Crack and Cheese

Get ready for the ultimate comfort dish—creamy, gooey, and loaded with five irresistible cheeses. This baked mac and cheese is pure cheesy perfection.

Why You'll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This 5 Cheese Crack and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with layers of cheesy flavor from five different kinds of cheese. The combination of gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, nutty parmesan, smooth cream cheese, and buttery gouda creates a decadent baked mac and cheese that’s hard to resist. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays, this dish will quickly become a crowd favorite.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Colander

• Large saucepan or pot for the cheese sauce

• Whisk and spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• 9x13-inch baking dish (or similar)

• Oven

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese

• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 cup softened cream cheese

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ cup butter

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese and milk, whisking until smooth and fully combined. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Add Pasta and Cheeses

Stir the cooked macaroni into the sauce until evenly coated. Gradually mix in the cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan. Continue stirring until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.

5. Bake

Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set slightly. Serve warm for the best texture.

Pro Tips for Success

• Grate your own cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

• Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get too soft during baking.

• Stir the sauce continuously to prevent burning or curdling.

• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top before baking.

Customization Ideas

• Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist.

• Stir in caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.

• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

• Use different cheese combinations like fontina, pepper jack, or Swiss to suit your taste.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheat: Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until heated through. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 520

• Fat: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 33g

• Protein: 21g
  (Nutrition will vary depending on specific ingredients and cheese brands used.)

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes (including baking)

• Total Time: 1 hour

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Shells, cavatappi, or penne all work well and hold the sauce nicely.

How do I keep the sauce from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and make sure to cover leftovers tightly. Adding a bit of milk when reheating also helps maintain creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This 5 Cheese Crack and Cheese is everything a baked mac and cheese should be: creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be the highlight of any meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this dish delivers pure comfort in every bite.