Creamy 5-Cheese Macaroni And Cheese

Name: Creamy 5-Cheese Macaroni And Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded gouda cheese; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup cream cheese; 4 cups milk; 1/2 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Food Ideas

Experience pure comfort food bliss with this Creamy 5-Cheese Macaroni And Cheese recipe. Packed with a delightful blend of gooey cheeses, this macaroni dish is luxuriously rich and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, it’s sure to become a favorite for cheese lovers. Elevate your mac and cheese game with this creamy, dreamy recipe that brings ultimate cheesy goodness to your plate.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-10-23T05:23:34.980Z

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining five different cheeses for an unforgettable mac and cheese experience.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Indulge in a dish that completely redefines macaroni and cheese. This recipe embraces not just one, but five delightful cheeses, creating a flavor explosion that is both comforting and rich. The blend of textures provides an irresistible gooeyness, making each bite a heavenly experience. It is the perfect dish to impress guests or to simply enjoy on a cozy night in.

The creamy, velvety cheese sauce is the star of this recipe, thanks to the meticulous blending of sharp cheddar, smooth mozzarella, and tangy gouda, creating a depth of flavor that is hard to resist. With triple cream richness from the cream cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan for added nuance, this mac and cheese is not just a side dish but a culinary adventure.

Customization is key with this recipe! Feel free to get creative with the types of cheese used. Swap out one cheese for a smoked variety or add a hint of spice with pepper jack to give this classic dish a modern twist. Each variation opens up a world of possibilities while keeping the core comfort intact.

Preparation Tips

For the best texture and flavor, start with high-quality cheeses. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-packaged options, preventing clumping and ensuring a smoother sauce. Take the time to grate your cheeses before starting the recipe for an effortlessly creamy finish.

When cooking the macaroni, be sure to follow the package instructions closely for cooking time to achieve that perfect al dente texture. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook in the cheese sauce, so avoid overcooking in the initial boiling step to maintain the desired bite.

If you're looking to save time, consider preparing the cheese sauce a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and simply reheat while you cook the macaroni. This not only makes dinner time smoother but allows the flavors to develop further, enhancing the overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Cheesy Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded gouda cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup cream cheese
4 cups milk
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to gather all the ingredients before starting this delicious recipe.

Steps

Cook the Macaroni

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.

Add cream cheese and stir until melted.

Combine Cheeses

Remove the pot from heat and stir in all the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine thoroughly. Transfer to a baking dish if desired.

Bake (optional)

For a crispy top, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy your creamy, dreamy mac and cheese!

Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Making It Ahead of Time

One of the advantages of this mac and cheese recipe is its ability to be made in advance. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then simply bake it when you're ready to enjoy. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests during a weekend gathering.

If you're planning to make it ahead, just give the macaroni a bit less cooking time, around 5-6 minutes, before mixing it with the cheese sauce. This way, when you reheat it, the pasta won’t overcook, maintaining that perfect al dente texture that enhances the dish.

Storage Recommendations

Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheating is simple; just use the microwave or place it in a baking dish with a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess. Cover with foil to retain moisture and heat until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven, ensuring a delightful creamy texture reappears.