Ultimate Mac and Cheese Bake

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.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Category: Pasta

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 bowls

Calories: 973 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ pound - pasta
4 tablespoon - butter
3 cloves - garlic
2 cup - heavy cream
½ teaspoon - salt
¼ teaspoon - black pepper
½ teaspoon - garlic powder
½ teaspoon - onion powder
¼ teaspoon - paprika
½ cup - Gouda cheese
½ cup - Fontina cheese
½ cup - Cheddar cheese
½ cup - Mozzarella cheese
½ cup - Asiago cheese
½ cup - Parmesan cheese
¼ cup - Velveeta cheese
⅛ - Reserved pasta water

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.