Making Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno can be simple when you follow these clear steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: Boil ziti in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine with Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the cheese mixture. Pour in the marinara sauce and gently mix until the pasta is well coated.
5. Layer in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture in the dish. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan if desired.
6. Add Second Layer: Place the remaining pasta mixture on top. Spread it evenly and top with remaining cheeses.
7. Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
8. Cool Slightly: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Each step is crafted to ensure you achieve the best results, resulting in a cheesy masterpiece everyone will love.