Name: Wisconsin Five-Cheese Bake – Ultimate Comfort Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded provolone cheese; ½ cup ricotta cheese; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 64 reviews

The Wisconsin Five-Cheese Bake – Ultimate Comfort Pasta Recipe is the perfect dish to cozy up with on any day you crave something warm, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. This creamy macaroni bake brings together five distinct cheeses that meld into a luscious, velvety sauce, delivering layers of flavor and gooey goodness. It’s a simple yet luxurious comfort meal that makes everyone feel right at home, whether served as a casual dinner or a star dish for gatherings. Let me walk you through every step of creating this cheesy masterpiece that celebrates the wonderful taste of Wisconsin cheese specialties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular plate holds five different blocks of cheese arranged in layers: a yellow block in the top left, a round light brown block in the center, a square tan block in the top right, a white rectangular block in the bottom left, and a marbled white and orange rectangular block in the bottom right. Below the plate, a large white bowl is filled with dry elbow macaroni pasta. Next to it is a small jar filled with white liquid, a small white bowl with white butter chunks, and a small glass bowl containing coarse salt. In front of these are six small glass bowls lined up, each with different spices in colors ranging from light gray, orange-brown, beige, dark gray, to yellow. A raw egg in a small glass container is also present near the spices. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this pasta bake comes from straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in texture and flavor. From the creamy ricotta to the nutty Parmesan, every element brings its own character to the dish, ensuring a rich and satisfying bite every time.

Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the cheesy sauce beautifully for the ultimate creamy bite.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that gooey stretch and mild flavor that melts smoothly.
Swiss cheese: Adds a slightly nutty and buttery depth to the cheese mix.
Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, salty notes and helps create a golden top when baked.
Provolone cheese: Offers a mild smoky undertone, rounding out the cheese blend.
Ricotta cheese: Delivers a fluffy creaminess that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
Sour cream: Adds tang and balances the richness with a subtle brightness.
Heavy cream: Ensures the cheese sauce is velvety and indulgent.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled in for a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to enhance the savory flavors without overpowering.
Garlic salt: Infuses every bite with a savory garlicky kick, tying it all deliciously together.

How to Make Wisconsin Five-Cheese Bake – Ultimate Comfort Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Pasta

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente, usually 6-8 minutes, then drain it thoroughly. This slightly firm texture ensures the noodles won’t become mushy after baking, providing the perfect base for your creamy cheese mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixes

While the pasta is cooling, combine the shredded mozzarella, Swiss, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses in a bowl. Reserve about half a cup of this cheese blend to sprinkle on top later for a beautifully browned crust. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, chopped fresh parsley, dried Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. This luxurious mixture is where the creamy magic happens and will coat the pasta in rich flavor.

Step 3: Combine Macaroni and Cheeses

Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the creamy ricotta mixture, then stir in the four-cheese blend. Make sure every piece of pasta is generously coated with the cheese sauce for maximum indulgence. Once well combined, pour this decadent mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Golden Perfection

Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly across the top of the pasta. Bake it in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and the flavors to marry. Then switch to broil for an additional 5 minutes to get that perfect golden, bubbly crust that’s both crispy and flavorful. If you’re craving extra crispiness, go for 7 minutes under the broiler, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

How to Serve Wisconsin Five-Cheese Bake – Ultimate Comfort Pasta Recipe

A white rectangular ceramic baking dish filled with macaroni and cheese, showing three layers: the bottom layer is creamy white sauce mixed with soft elbow pasta, the middle layer has a dense mix of melted cheese that is light yellow and slightly bubbly, and the top layer is a golden brown melted cheese crust with crispy browned edges. A silver serving spoon rests inside the dish, scooping some pasta from the corner. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a wedge of Parmigiano cheese nearby and part of a white ceramic lid visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top immediately brighten the rich dish and add a fresh aroma. You can also add a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky touch that complements the cheeses beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cheese bake pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads dressed in tangy vinaigrettes to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, provide fresh texture and color contrast. For heartier meals, pair it with savory garlic bread to soak up every cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Wisconsin Five-Cheese Bake in individual ramekins for personalized portions, making it feel extra special. You can also top each portion with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a crunchy surprise. If hosting a casual gathering, set up a DIY station where guests can add their own toppings like crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, or sliced cherry tomatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the bake even tastier the next day. Before reheating, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for even warming.

Freezing

This recipe also freezes beautifully. Portion the bake into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a comforting meal ready in no time, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the pasta bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until piping hot and bubbly. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in shorter bursts, stirring in between, to keep the cheese sauce creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes in the Wisconsin Five-Cheese Bake – Ultimate Comfort Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small shells, penne, or rotini work beautifully as they hold onto the cheese sauce equally well.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

This dish is naturally vegetarian as it uses no meat, just cheese and dairy. Just be sure to choose cheese made without animal rennet if that’s important to you.

Can I substitute any cheeses in this bake?

Feel free to swap similar cheeses based on what you have or prefer. For example, fontina or gouda could be lovely replacements, but the iconic Wisconsin cheese blend really defines this recipe.

How can I make the Wisconsin Five-Cheese Bake gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional macaroni. The creamy cheese sauce and baking method remain the same, making it just as delicious.

What’s the secret to getting a crispy cheese topping?

Using the reserved cheese blend on top and broiling it at the end of baking creates that perfect golden crust. Monitoring closely during broiling ensures it gets crispy without burning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that hugs you from the inside out, the Wisconsin Five-Cheese Bake – Ultimate Comfort Pasta Recipe is pure homemade happiness. Rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, this bake will become your go-to comfort food, perfect for any occasion where warmth and flavor take center stage.