🧀 5 Cheese Crack and Cheese

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside. You want the pasta al dente so it holds up in the cheesy sauce.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the softened cream cheese and milk, whisking constantly until smooth and combined. This will create the creamy base for your sauce.
Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until fully incorporated and fragrant. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Combine the Macaroni and Sauce: Stir the cooked macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce until it’s evenly coated. This ensures every piece of pasta is covered in the delicious cheese mixture.
Mix in the Cheeses: Gradually stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you like your crust extra cheesy! Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with delicious cheese.
Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool slightly for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheesy sauce firm up a little, making it easier to serve and less messy. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!