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Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese with Cheddar, Colby Jack, Gouda, and Mozzarella Recipe

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4.1 from 14 reviews

This Creamy Mac & Cheese recipe features a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Colby jack, Gouda, and mozzarella cheeses combined with heavy cream and butter, creating an indulgent, velvety cheese sauce. Enhanced with flavorful seasonings and baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish yields eight hearty servings perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 24 oz macaroni noodles (1.5 boxes, cavatappi noodles can be used)

Cheeses

  • 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 16 oz Colby jack cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 oz Gouda cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 oz cream cheese (optional)

Dairy & Fats

  • 6 cups heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (used in pasta cooking water)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning

Instructions

  1. Grate the Cheeses: Use a large shredder to grate all the cheeses and set them aside. Keep any small chunks of cheese that are too small to grate for later use.
  2. Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni noodles according to package instructions, adding chicken bouillon to the cooking water to enhance the flavor.
  3. Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a spacious sauce pot over low heat, melt the salted butter. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture.
  4. Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings: Add about 50% of the shredded cheese into the cream mixture, stirring until fully blended. Then add the cream cheese last, allowing it to melt completely while simmering on low heat. Season the sauce with salt, onion powder, ground mustard, white pepper, and adobo seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni noodles with the creamy cheese sauce, folding in the reserved small cheese chunks. Aim for a creamy, moist mixture that makes a distinct sound when stirred.
  6. Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour half of the macaroni mixture into a 13×9 inch baking dish. Spread a light layer of cheese sauce and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Add the remaining noodles and finish with a generous topping of shredded cheese, preferably cheddar or Colby jack for the best melt and flavor.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake until the cheese melts thoroughly, about 25-30 minutes.
  8. Broil: Lastly, switch the oven to broil and cook for 2 minutes to achieve a golden brown, bubbly cheese crust on top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Using cavatappi noodles can add a fun twist to the texture of the mac and cheese.
  • Add cream cheese for extra creaminess and depth of flavor, but it is optional based on preference.
  • Chicken bouillon in the pasta water enhances overall umami but can be omitted to reduce sodium.
  • Broiling at the end creates a perfect crispy cheese topping but should be closely monitored to prevent burning.
  • This recipe serves 8 and can be doubled or halved depending on your needs.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-cheddar-colby-jack-gouda-and-mozzarella-recipe/