What You Need
Gather these items for the pasta, sauce, and topping.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It
Follow these steps for creamy results.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook macaroni for 6 minutes until firm. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk. Whisk until thick, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in 1 cup cheddar, all gouda, gruyere, colby jack, and half the mozzarella. Mix until smooth.
- Combine sauce with macaroni. Pour half into the dish. Sprinkle half the remaining cheeses on top.
- Add the rest of the macaroni mixture. Top with leftover cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Best Results
These help answer common questions like how to get creamy texture.
- Shred cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded types do not melt well.
- Cook pasta firm. It softens more in the oven.
- Add cheese off heat to stop lumps.
- For variations, swap gouda for plain if you skip smoke flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
- Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
Common Questions
From searches, here are answers to what people often ask.
What cheeses work best?
Sharp cheddar for bite, gouda for smoke, gruyere for nutty notes, colby jack for mild cream, mozzarella for pull.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Prep and chill up to 1 day. Bake when ready.
Is baking better than stovetop?
Baking gives a crisp top. Stovetop stays softer.
Final Thoughts
This dish brings comfort with every bite. Try it for family meals or gatherings. It pairs well with simple proteins or veggies.