Ultimate Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese

This Ultimate Cheesy Baked Mac & Cheese is a creamy, gooey comfort dish loaded with flavor. The base begins with butter and garlic, then layers in heavy cream, multiple cheeses including gouda, fontina, cheddar, mozzarella, asiago, Parmesan, and Velveeta. After combining the pasta with the rich cheese sauce and a splash of pasta water, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. This is the mac & cheese of your dreams—decadent, rich, and unforgettable.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 bowls

Calories: 1,316 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - pasta
⅛ - Salt
4 tablespoon - butter
3 cloves - garlic
2 cup - heavy cream
⅛ - Salt
⅛ - Black pepper
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
½ teaspoon - onion powder
½ teaspoon - paprika
½ cup - gouda
½ cup - fontina
½ cup - cheddar
½ cup - mozzarella
½ cup - asiago
½ cup - Parmesan cheese
4 small cube - Velveeta cheese
⅛ - Reserved pasta water
⅛ - Extra cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Lower the heat and stir in gouda, fontina, cheddar, mozzarella, asiago, Parmesan, and Velveeta cubes. Mix until smooth.
Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until pasta is fully coated.
Transfer mixture to an oven-safe dish and top with extra cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Let cool slightly before serving.