Baked mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food that never fails to satisfy. Loved by both kids and adults, this dish combines a luscious, creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta and a golden, cheesy topping that’s perfect for dinner or as a crowd-pleasing side dish during the holidays. The combination of cheeses in this recipe creates layers of rich flavor and a texture that’s hard to resist.
If you enjoy hearty comfort food, you might also want to explore dishes like Classic Sloppy Joes, Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Homestyle Meatloaf, or No-Boil Mashed Potatoes. These dishes pair perfectly with a cozy meal or can be served as part of a family-style feast.
Why This Baked Mac and Cheese Is So Good
What sets this baked mac and cheese apart is its smooth, creamy cheese sauce and the multiple layers of melted cheese that coat every piece of pasta. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of gooeyness and a slightly crisp top, making it irresistible. While mac and cheese is a classic, there are endless variations, but this version keeps it simple while hitting all the right flavor notes.
Whether you’re new to making homemade mac and cheese or you’ve tried it before, this recipe breaks it down step by step so you can create a dish that’s both rich and satisfying.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Homemade mac and cheese might seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and cheesy result:
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for just a minute or two less than the package instructions to keep it slightly firm. Drain and toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce – Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste, cooking for about a minute. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Add the Cheese – Stir in your shredded cheeses gradually, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding the next. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce – Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta, mixing until fully coated.
- Layer and Bake – Transfer half of the mac and cheese to a prepared baking dish, sprinkle with some shredded cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the last portion of shredded cheese and bake until bubbly and lightly golden.
Tips for Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese
- Cook Pasta Lightly – Boil pasta slightly under the package time. It will finish cooking in the oven, keeping the texture firm and creamy.
- Room Temperature Dairy – Let your milk and cream come to room temperature before making the sauce. This helps the sauce thicken faster and more evenly.
- Cheese Selection – Choose a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor. Cheddar and Gruyere work beautifully, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
- Shred Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese ensures a creamy, velvety sauce.
Variations to Customize Your Mac and Cheese
- Add Bacon – Mix in crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, savory twist. You can add it inside or sprinkle it on top before baking.
- Stovetop Version – Skip baking for a faster dish. Cook pasta al dente and stir all the cheese into the sauce before mixing with pasta. No layering needed.
- Different Toppings – For crunch, top with panko mixed with butter, or crushed crackers for a golden crust. Parmesan also adds a nice sharp flavor.
- Adjust Baking Time – Baking at 350°F for 30 minutes and finishing under the broiler for a few minutes creates a beautifully bubbly and slightly crisp top.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Preparing Ahead – You can assemble the mac and cheese a day or two in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake just before serving. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Reheating Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Chef’s Notes
- Five Cheese Variation – For a richer taste, try combining cheddar, Colby, Muenster, Gruyere, and mozzarella.
- Crispier Top – Bake slightly longer or broil for a few minutes at the end to create a golden, crunchy topping.
- Slow Cooker Option – While this recipe is designed for oven baking, it can be kept warm in a slow cooker after baking.
This recipe gives you a creamy, decadent baked mac and cheese with layers of cheese in every bite, perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts. Each step ensures the sauce is smooth, the pasta is tender, and the top is irresistibly golden and bubbly.
Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients
1 lb dried elbow pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 1/2 cups half-and-half (see tips)
4 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
1/2 tbsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil.
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While pasta cooks, shred cheeses and divide into three portions: 3 cups for sauce, 1 1/2 cups for middle layer, 1 1/2 cups for topping.
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Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in half-and-half and milk until smooth.
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Continue heating until thickened. Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheese, then another 1 1/2 cups until smooth and melted. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Mix cheese sauce with cooked pasta. Pour half into baking dish, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups cheese, then layer remaining pasta mixture. Top with last 1 1/2 cups cheese.
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Bake 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Optional: broil 2-3 minutes for extra crust.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Half-and-half can be substituted with extra milk if unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, or hot sauce for a flavor twist.
- For freezing, assemble unbaked, wrap tightly in foil, and thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
