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Cheesy Bake Dish

Featured in Reliable Evening Meals.

A cheesy pasta treat combining five types of cheese with elbow macaroni. Comfort food done in 30 minutes.

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Aisha
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:22:59 GMT
Close-up of cheesy macaroni baked with a crusty, golden topping. Pin it
Close-up of cheesy macaroni baked with a crusty, golden topping. | cookingflavor.com

Mouthwatering Midwest Five Cheese Bake

Here's a no-fuss cheese bake that's now the top requested comfort dish in my home. This recipe transforms traditional mac and cheese by blending five different cheeses into something incredibly velvety. What I really dig is how the cream cheese and sour cream give it a zesty kick that makes this dish stand out. It's always a crowd-pleaser, whether you're having a quiet family meal or showing up at a gathering.

What Makes This Dish So Appealing

  • That golden cheesy crust on top is simply amazing
  • It works wonderfully as a star dish or fancy accompaniment
  • You can throw it together even on hectic evenings
  • The combo of five cheeses creates a truly rich flavor experience

Basic Items Needed for Five Cheese Bake

  • Pasta: Go with whatever short pasta you've got handy.
  • Mozzarella: Gives you that wonderful stretch everyone loves.
  • Swiss & Provolone: They pack so much taste into every bite.
  • Parmesan: Adds that nice salty touch we all want.
  • Cream Cheese: Turns everything super smooth and decadent.
  • Sour Cream: Brings a nice zip to the mix.
  • Seasonings: Basic spices that make each mouthful tasty.

No-Fuss How-To Guide

Cook Your Pasta Just Right
Get a big pot of water bubbling away and dump in plenty of salt until it tastes like seawater. Toss in your pasta and watch the clock carefully - you want it slightly firm, about 2 minutes under the package time. Do a quick bite test to make sure it's still got some resistance. Drain it thoroughly but skip rinsing - that starchy coating helps the sauce stick better.
Mix Up Your Cheese Combo
While the pasta bubbles away, let's get that awesome sauce going. Start with room temp cream cheese in a big bowl - it must be soft for smooth mixing. Throw in your grated cheeses and sour cream, then stir until you get a lovely creamy mix. If it looks too stiff, splash in some hot pasta water - it does wonders for making sauces extra silky.
Put Everything Together
Now for the fun part. Slowly add your hot pasta to the cheese stuff, gently folding it through. Make sure every pasta bit gets coated in that amazing sauce. Season as you go, remembering that the cheese already brings some saltiness. Give everything one last gentle stir, checking there's no plain pasta hiding anywhere.
Bake It To Perfection
Now scoop everything into a greased baking dish, spreading it out but don't smash it down - those edges that stick up will get wonderfully crispy. Stick it in your 375°F oven for about 25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top turns golden brown and cheese bubbles around the sides. Want more browning? Flip to broil for the last minute but don't take your eyes off it.
Let It Cool Then Dig In
The toughest part comes next - waiting 5-10 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This helps everything firm up nicely and saves you from burning your mouth on hot cheese. Plus, your portions will look neater. For a fancy touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top right before you bring it to the table.

Tricks For Perfect Results

  • Skip Pre-Shredded Stuff: Grab a grater and do it yourself, your dish will melt way better.
  • Don't Overcook Pasta: Keep it a bit firm since it'll soften more in the oven.
  • Get Creative: Don't be afraid to swap in different cheeses you love.
A baked dish of macaroni and cheese with a golden, crispy top and melted cheese pulling apart, served on a wooden board. Pin it
A baked dish of macaroni and cheese with a golden, crispy top and melted cheese pulling apart, served on a wooden board. | cookingflavor.com

Quick Pairing Suggestions

This cheese bake tastes best straight from the oven when it's super gooey. Pair it with:

  • Your favorite roasted vegetables
  • Some warm garlic bread
  • A simple green salad

The Ultimate Family Comfort Dish

This five cheese bake always gets everyone rushing to the dinner table with its creamy goodness and spot-on flavoring. It's fancy enough when guests come over but simple enough for a weeknight meal. And those stretchy cheese pulls when you're dishing it up? They're totally Instagram-worthy!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why shred cheese yourself?

Store-bought shredded cheese doesn’t melt smoothly because of added anti-caking powders.

→ Can other pasta shapes work?

Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini works great here.

→ Why soften cream cheese?

Softened cream cheese blends better and avoids lumpy textures.

→ Is this make-ahead friendly?

You can prepare it a day before, keep it chilled, and bake when ready.

→ Can this be frozen?

Freezing isn’t ideal since dairy-rich dishes may separate after thawing.

Cheesy Bake Dish

Creamy pasta baked with five cheeses, a touch of Italian herbs, and a crispy golden topping.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup sour cream, smooth and chilled.
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor.
03 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
04 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for herby taste.
05 3/4 cup heavy cream, rich and creamy.
06 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded.
07 1 pound elbow macaroni noodles.
08 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese.
09 1/2 teaspoon smoky paprika.
10 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt for balance.
11 1 cup Swiss cheese, grated fresh.
12 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded finely.

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven to 400°F and use cooking spray to coat a 9x13 dish.

Step 02

Mix together grated mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, and Parmesan with the cream cheese pieces in a big bowl.

Step 03

Put aside about 3/4 cup of the cheese mixture to use as the topping.

Step 04

In a different bowl, stir together heavy cream, sour cream, and every spice until smooth.

Step 05

Cook pasta in heavily salted, boiling water until it's firm but cooked (check the package).

Step 06

Move the freshly drained macaroni to the big bowl of cheeses while it's still steaming.

Step 07

Pour your spiced cream mixture over that warm pasta and cheese combo.

Step 08

Grab a wooden spoon and stir until all the cheese starts to melt together.

Step 09

Pour the combined mixture gently into your prepared 9x13 pan.

Step 10

Evenly scatter that reserved cheese mix across the top layer.

Step 11

Let it bake in the oven for around 10-15 minutes till the topping browns lightly.

Step 12

Keep an eye on it while baking so it doesn’t burn the cheese topping.

Step 13

Take it out when it's perfectly browned.

Step 14

Wait a few minutes, so it settles.

Step 15

Dish up while everything's still gooey, melty, and irresistible.

Notes

  1. Classic, cheesy Midwest favorite.
  2. Freshly shredding your own cheese is worth it.
  3. Comes together fast for everyone.
  4. Enjoy it right away for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
  • Grater to prepare all the cheese.
  • Wooden spoon for mixing smoothly.
  • 9x13-inch pan for baking goodness.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheeses and creams).
  • Includes wheat from the pasta.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 333
  • Total Fat: 25.8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5.6 g
  • Protein: 20.4 g