Name: Ultimate Mac and Cheese Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 bowls
Cuisine: American

These Carbs Don't Count Verified

May 13, 2025

17 Ingredients

MEDIUM

This Ultimate Mac and Cheese Bake is the definition of comfort food taken to a new level. A creamy base made from butter, garlic, and heavy cream is infused with a rich seasoning blend, then melted together with a symphony of cheeses—Gouda, Fontina, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesan, and even Velveeta for that extra meltiness. Tossed with tender pasta and finished in the oven with a bubbly golden crust, this dish delivers everything you love about mac and cheese: cheesy, gooey, and irresistibly indulgent. Perfect for weeknight cravings or crowd-pleasing gatherings.

From the Cook

1/2

Ultimate Mac and Cheese Bake

These Carbs Don't Count Verified

Ingredients

bowls

WarningMilk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Lower the heat and add Gouda, Fontina, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesan, and Velveeta. Stir until all cheeses are fully melted.

Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss until evenly coated. Add more pasta water if needed.

Transfer to an oven-safe dish and top with extra shredded cheese of your choice.

Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Cheese Melting Magic 🧀
Grate your own cheese blend instead of using pre-shredded varieties, as freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and prevents the grainy texture caused by anti-caking agents.
Pasta Water Wizardry 💧
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining - the starchy liquid helps create a silkier, more cohesive cheese sauce and can be used to adjust consistency if needed.
Seasoning Symphony 🌶️
Toast your garlic and onion powders in the butter for 30 seconds before adding cream to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles in your mac and cheese base.
Crispy Topping Technique 🔥
For the ultimate golden crust, finish the mac and cheese under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning and achieve that perfect crispy top.
Cheese Layering Mastery 🧈
Layer your cheeses strategically - use Velveeta for creaminess, sharp Cheddar for flavor, and Gouda or Fontina for depth, creating a multi-dimensional cheese experience.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)