This baked mac and cheese recipe is pure comfort in a dish. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, it is a classic that never goes out of style.
The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make something that tastes like home with every bite.
It starts with a smooth, homemade cheese sauce. Butter, flour, milk, and plenty of shredded cheese come together to coat every piece of pasta.
If you love creamy mac and cheese, this one delivers. The center stays soft and velvety while the top bakes into a light, cheesy crust.
This is the best mac and cheese recipe for any occasion. It works as a main dish, a holiday side, or even a make-ahead meal.
No one can resist a good cheesy macaroni recipe. It is family-friendly, easy to prepare, and always a crowd favorite.
What You’ll Need to Make This Baked Mac And Cheese
Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering that rich, cheesy, creamy texture we all love in a Southern mac and cheese casserole:
1. Elbow Macaroni
- This is the classic pasta shape for mac and cheese. Its small, hollow tubes catch the cheese sauce perfectly.
- It cooks quickly and holds its shape well in the oven.
- You can also use shells or cavatappi if you want a twist in texture.
2. Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- The base cheese in this dish, gives bold flavor and that rich orange color.
- Sharp cheddar melts well and adds tang without being overpowering.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and avoid pre-shredded blends with anti-caking agents.
3. Whole Milk
- Provides a creamy base for your cheese sauce.
- Whole milk has the right balance of fat for richness without being too heavy.
- Avoid skim milk, which makes the sauce watery.
4. Butter
- Adds depth to the roux and richness to the sauce.
- Helps toast the flour, creating a nutty background flavor in the béchamel.
- Also used to coat the pasta and prevent sticking.
5. All-Purpose Flour
- Key for thickening the sauce.
- When cooked with butter, it forms a roux that gives structure and smoothness to the cheese sauce.
- Make sure to whisk continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Cream Cheese
- Helps stabilize the sauce and adds a tangy creaminess.
- Gives that extra velvet texture that makes creamy baked mac and cheese extra indulgent.
- Melts seamlessly into the sauce when added warm.
7. Mozzarella Cheese
- Adds stringy, gooey texture for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Mild flavor balances out the sharpness of cheddar.
- Best used in combination with stronger cheeses.
8. Parmesan Cheese
- Brings in a salty, nutty flavor that deepens the cheese profile.
- Perfect for sprinkling on top for a crispy, golden crust.
- Helps balance out creaminess with a bit of umami.
9. Ground Mustard
- Subtle tang that enhances the overall cheesiness.
- You won’t taste “mustard,” but you’ll notice the sauce tastes more complete.
- Just a pinch makes a difference.
10. Salt
- Enhances all the flavors and brings balance.
- Taste your cheese before adding – some cheeses are saltier than others.
- Always season the pasta water too.
11. Black Pepper
- Adds just enough heat and contrast to the creamy texture.
- Freshly ground gives a better aroma than pre-ground.
- Can be adjusted to taste.
12. Paprika (Optional)
- Adds a smoky note and beautiful color to the top.
- Great for sprinkling over the cheese topping before baking.
- Use sweet or smoked, depending on your flavor preference.
13. Breadcrumbs (Optional)
- Create a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy center.
- You can use seasoned, plain, or even Panko.
- Toast them lightly in butter for extra crunch.
Quick Tips for the Best Baked Mac And Cheese
- Always grate your own cheese – pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta before baking – it continues cooking in the oven.
- Mix cheese types for deeper flavor – cheddar is a must, but others bring texture.
- Use room temperature milk to avoid clumping in your sauce.
- Let the dish rest before serving so it sets and doesn’t run.
Equipment for Making the Best Baked Mac And Cheese
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for making the cheese sauce
- Whisk
- Grater for cheese)
- 9×13 inch or similar-size baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
- Spatula or large spoon
Nutritional Benefits Of Baked Mac And Cheese
- High in calcium: Thanks to the cheese and milk, this dish supports strong bones and teeth.
- Source of protein: Especially when using whole milk and real cheese, it helps repair muscles and maintain energy.
- Comfort food boost: Can lift mood and provide emotional satisfaction, especially when served warm.
- Customizable: Add veggies like spinach or broccoli for fiber, antioxidants, and added nutrients.
Conclusion
Baked mac and cheese is the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style. It’s warm, creamy, and always hits the spot, whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a big family gathering.
What makes it special is how customizable it is. Stick with classic cheddar or mix it up with different cheeses and toppings to make it your own.
At the end of the day, it’s more than just a side dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a nostalgic favorite, and a recipe you’ll come back to every time you need something truly satisfying.
✅ Quick Tips: Read through the full recipe before diving in; it’s the best way to get a feel for the flow, prep time, and tools you’ll need. Think of it like scanning a map before a road trip: you’ll cook more confidently and avoid any surprises halfway through.
- Filipino Chicken Adobo Recipe
- Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe.
- Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Easy Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
- Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe
- Easy Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Easy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe with Coconut Sauce
- The Best Vietnamese Spring Rolls Fried Recipe
- Best Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
- Best Juicy Homemade Cheeseburger Recipe
Easy Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
Description
This baked mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food classic featuring gooey cheddar, creamy béchamel sauce, and perfectly baked pasta for a crispy, golden top and rich, cheesy bite every time. A perfect weeknight meal or holiday side dish, it’s quick, easy, and kid-friendly with pantry ingredients you already have.
Ingredients
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 1 minute less than the package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Let the mixture thicken, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the Cheeses
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Season with mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Dish
- Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with additional cheddar and optional breadcrumbs and paprika.
Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Cool Slightly and Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set the sauce. Scoop, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size About 1 cup
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 16g80%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 630mg27%
- Potassium 220mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 34g12%
- Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 18g36%
- Vitamin A 850 IU
- Vitamin C 0.5 mg
- Calcium 360 mg
- Iron 2.3 mg
- Vitamin D 60 IU
- Vitamin E 1.2 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Don’t overcook the roux; you want it golden, not burnt.
Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Stir cheeses in off-heat to prevent clumping or separating.
Don’t skip salting the pasta water – it flavors the whole dish.
Let it rest before cutting,hot cheese needs to settle to firm up.
