Rich, creamy 5 Cheese Crack and Cheese loaded with flavor—an irresistible, cheesy comfort food dish perfect for dinner or any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with cheese: Five types of cheese for unmatched depth of flavor.
Creamy and rich: Cream cheese and milk create a silky-smooth sauce.

Comfort food classic: Warm, cheesy pasta is the ultimate satisfying dish.
Perfectly baked: Golden, bubbly top with a tender interior.
Kid and adult friendly: Universally loved by all ages.

Easy to customize: Switch up the cheeses or add mix-ins like jalapeños.
Great for gatherings: Makes enough for a crowd.
Leftover-friendly: Tastes just as good the next day.

Beginner-friendly: Simple steps and pantry staples.
Versatile: Ideal as a main dish or a hearty side.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded gouda cheese

1 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter

1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until heated through and well combined.
Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and fully melted.

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to coat.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 620 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
Crunchy top: Sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers.
Herb-infused: Add chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme.

Truffle mac: Drizzle truffle oil before baking for an upscale flavor.
Smoky version: Use smoked gouda or smoked cheddar.
Veggie-packed: Stir in sautéed spinach or broccoli.

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and thickeners.
Single serve: Bake in ramekins for individual portions.
Low-carb version: Swap pasta for steamed cauliflower florets.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Can I Use Other Types Of Pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or shells work great for holding onto the cheesy sauce.

What’s The Best Cheese Combination?

The mix of cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, parmesan, and cream cheese balances sharpness, meltiness, and richness.

Can I Make It On The Stove Only?

Yes—skip the baking and serve it straight from the pot for stovetop mac.

What If I Don’t Have Gouda?

Substitute with fontina, havarti, or even more cheddar.

How Do I Prevent A Gritty Sauce?

Melt cheese slowly on medium heat and avoid overheating once it’s added.

Can I Add Protein To This Dish?

Yes—shredded chicken or ground beef can be mixed in for added heartiness.

Is This Good For A Potluck?

Perfectly! Just reheat or keep warm in a slow cooker.

How Can I Make It Spicier?

Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced green chiles to the cheese sauce.

Does It Reheat Well?

Yes—just add a splash of milk when reheating to revive the creaminess.

Conclusion

5 Cheese Crack And Cheese is a cheese lover’s dream come true. With its ultra-creamy texture, bold cheesy flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any table. Whether served as a main course or a side, it’s bound to become a household favorite you’ll crave again and again.

Rich, creamy 5 Cheese Crack and Cheese loaded with flavor—an irresistible, cheesy comfort food dish perfect for dinner or any gathering!

More Cheesy Cravings to Explore

If you loved the indulgent layers of our 5 Cheese Crack And Cheese, you’ll definitely want to check out some of our other melty favorites. Dive into the savory depth of Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese, or keep things hearty with a twist by trying the Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole. For those who crave crunch, don’t miss our bold Cheesy Dorito Chicken Casserole. Looking for cheesy with a veggie-forward approach? The Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spinach Spaghetti Squash is a must. Or go full comfort with the ultra-satisfying Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta.

5 Cheese Crack And Cheese

Author: Chef Clara

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese combines five luxurious cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, parmesan, and cream cheese—for a rich, indulgent dish that’s the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded gouda cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
Add the cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan cheeses to the sauce, stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure all pasta is coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra texture, top with breadcrumbs or extra shredded cheese before baking.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.

Mac and cheese can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American