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Midwest Cheese Bake

Featured in: Quick Recipes for Busy Evenings

Enjoy a comforting baked pasta with five kinds of cheese and buttery, tender macaroni. Ready to serve in half an hour!

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Updated on Fri, 09 May 2025 14:58:28 GMT
Close-up of baked macaroni and cheese with a golden, crispy top. Pin it
Close-up of baked macaroni and cheese with a golden, crispy top. | cookingkitchn.com

Delightful Midwest Five Cheese Bake

Here's my go-to cheese bake that's now the top request at our family gatherings. This dish takes regular mac and cheese up a notch by blending five different cheeses into something utterly dreamy and smooth. The tangy kick from sour cream and cream cheese really makes this stand out from ordinary versions. It's always a crowd-pleaser whether you're enjoying it during a quiet night in or sharing at a neighborhood get-together.

What Makes This Cheese Dish So Appealing

  • That golden cheesy crust on top can't be beaten
  • It works wonderfully as a standalone meal or impressive side
  • Quick preparation is perfect when you're short on time
  • The blend of five cheeses creates amazing flavor complexity

Simple Ingredients for Five Cheese Bake

  • Pasta: Pick any small-shaped pasta for this tasty dish.
  • Mozzarella: Gives you that stretchy, gooey texture everyone wants.
  • Provolone & Swiss: These two bring wonderful depth to the mix.
  • Parmesan: Adds that nutty, savory punch we need.
  • Cream Cheese: The secret to ultra-smooth, velvety sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Brings a pleasant zip to balance the richness.
  • Seasonings: Basic spices that boost every mouthful.

Quick How-To Guide

Rest and Serve
The toughest part comes now - wait 5-10 minutes after taking it from the oven. This waiting period lets everything settle properly and stops you from burning yourself on super-hot cheese. Plus, your portions will stay neater when served. For a fancy touch, scatter some chopped fresh herbs right before you bring it to the table.
Perfect Baking Method
Spoon your mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out without pressing down too hard - those edges that stick up will get wonderfully crispy. Stick it in your 375°F preheated oven for around 25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and cheese bubbles around the sides. Want extra crispiness? Flip to broil for the final minute, but don't walk away from it.
Combine Everything with Care
Now for the fun part. Slowly add your warm pasta to the cheese mixture, gently folding until combined. Make sure every pasta piece gets coated in that rich sauce. Add seasonings gradually and taste as you go, remembering cheese already adds saltiness. Give everything one last gentle stir, checking for any dry pasta spots hiding in the mix.
Create the Cheese Blend
While the pasta cooks, let's tackle that luscious cheese sauce. Start with room temperature cream cheese in a big bowl - it must be soft for smooth blending. Toss in your grated cheeses and sour cream, then mix until you get a beautiful creamy blend. If it seems stiff, splash in a bit of the hot pasta water - it works wonders for creating silky sauces.
Start With Perfect Pasta Prep
Get a big pot of water boiling and don't skimp on salt - it should remind you of seawater. Toss in your pasta and cook it about 2 minutes less than what the box says - you want it slightly firm since it'll cook more in the oven. Do a quick bite test to check - there should be just a tiny bit of resistance. Drain thoroughly but skip rinsing - that starchy coating helps our sauce stick better.

Tricks for Great Results

  • Make It Yours: Don't hesitate to swap cheeses based on what you love.
  • Watch Your Pasta: Keep it a bit undercooked since it'll soften more in the oven.
  • Fresh Grated is Best: Skip the pre-shredded stuff and grate your own for much better melting.
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. | cookingkitchn.com

Tasty Pairing Options

This cheese bake tastes best right out of the oven when it's all gooey and wonderful. Try serving it alongside:

  • Your favorite roasted vegetables
  • Some warm, buttery garlic bread
  • A crisp green salad with light dressing

A Heartwarming Family Treat

This five cheese bake brings the whole family running to dinner with its incredible cheesy goodness and perfect seasoning. It's fancy enough for guests but so easy you can whip it up any weeknight. And those stretchy cheese pulls when you dish it up? They'll have everyone reaching for seconds!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should I grate fresh cheese?

Pre-grated cheese has additives that block smooth melting.

→ Can I pick a different pasta?

Short pasta shapes are all great options here.

→ Why use soft cream cheese?

Softened cream cheese makes it blend better without lumps.

→ Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, assemble a day early, but let it warm to room temp before baking.

→ Is freezing recommended?

It's tricky since dairy-based dishes can separate after freezing.

Midwest Cheese Bake

This creamy, cheesy pasta dish uses five kinds of cheese, flavor-packed Italian herbs, and is topped with a golden, bubbly layer.

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


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 pound elbow macaroni.
02 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded.
03 1 teaspoon Italian herbs.
04 1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked.
05 2 cups shredded mozzarella.
06 1/2 cup sour cream.
07 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
08 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded.
09 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded.
10 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt.
11 3/4 cup heavy cream.
12 8 oz cream cheese, softened.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat the oven to 400°F exactly, and grease a 9x13 dish with nonstick spray.

Step 02

In a big bowl, toss together the mozzarella, Swiss, Parmesan, provolone, and the cubed cream cheese.

Step 03

Set aside 3/4 cup of the blended cheese for the topping later.

Step 04

In another bowl, thoroughly mix the sour cream, heavy cream, and all the spices.

Step 05

Boil the macaroni in salty water as per the instructions on the box until it's just tender.

Step 06

Quickly toss the steaming hot, drained macaroni with the cheese mix while it's still warm.

Step 07

Drizzle the creamy spice mixture over the hot pasta and cheese combo.

Step 08

Use a wooden spoon to mix well until the cheese starts melting and blending together.

Step 09

Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish evenly.

Step 10

Scatter the reserved cheese mix across the top evenly as a topping.

Step 11

Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the top turns a gorgeous golden color.

Step 12

Keep an eye on it to avoid the topping going too dark.

Step 13

Take it out of the oven right when the top is beautifully golden.

Step 14

Let it sit briefly to firm up.

Step 15

Dish it up while it’s warm and gooey.

Notes

  1. Classic Midwest cozy dish.
  2. Freshly shredded cheese is worth it.
  3. Quick and easy prep time.
  4. Best enjoyed hot!

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 pan for baking.
  • Large bowls for mixing.
  • Cheese grater.
  • Wooden spoon for stirring.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (a lot of cheeses and cream).
  • Wheat (from 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