Creamy Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Creamy, golden, and utterly irresistible, this baked macaroni and cheese recipe promises pure comfort on a plate.

cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, velvety sauce that hugs every single pasta curve.

Sharp cheddar and smooth mozzarella create a decadent blend that melts into pure magic.

The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that takes this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of cheesy goodness that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings demand this soul-satisfying mac and cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this cheesy masterpiece and experience comfort food at its absolute finest.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 586 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients That Define Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Pasta Noodles: Choose elbow or rotini for perfect cheese-catching curves and hearty texture that holds sauce beautifully.

• Medium Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, White Cheddar, Colby Jack, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese: Select high-quality, freshly shredded cheeses for maximum melting potential and rich, complex flavor profile that creates luxurious, creamy consistency.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds deep, aromatic warmth and transforms ordinary mac and cheese into gourmet comfort food.
• Onion Powder, Mustard Powder, Paprika: These spices provide subtle depth, slight tang, and gentle background warmth without overwhelming the cheese's delicate taste.

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation and helps create silky sauce texture.
• Flour: Acts as thickening agent to ensure smooth, clingy cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Half and Half: Delivers ultra-rich, decadent smoothness and helps create perfect sauce consistency.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening overall dish's flavor complexity.

• Reserved Pasta Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency and adds subtle starchy richness.

Tools for the Creamiest Baked Macaroni Results

• Casserole Dish (9×13): Essential for baking and serving the mac and cheese.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for creating the creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for mincing garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cheese Grater: Important for shredding different types of cheese.
• Colander: Used for straining cooked pasta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and stir the sauce.

Follow These Instructions for Classic Macaroni Bake

• Cheese Preparation

Gather your favorite cheese varieties and shred them with care. Set aside a special blend for the golden, crispy topping that will make mouths water.

• Pasta Foundation

Boil the pasta just shy of perfection, reserving a splash of starchy water. Transfer to a spacious baking dish and coat with a touch of butter for extra richness.

• Flavor Base

In a skillet, melt butter and dance minced garlic around until its aroma fills the kitchen. Sprinkle in flour and whisk until it transforms into a golden, silky mixture.

• Creamy Transformation

Pour in pasta water and creamy liquids, stirring consistently until the sauce thickens like a luxurious blanket. Gradually fold in cheese, allowing each handful to melt into a smooth, velvety embrace.

• Seasoning Symphony

Introduce subtle spices that will elevate the dish – a whisper of onion powder, a hint of paprika, a touch of mustard for depth. Stir until the flavors harmonize perfectly.

• Baking Magic

Pour the cheesy sauce over the pasta, ensuring every noodle is lovingly coated. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top, creating a promise of a crispy, golden crown.

• Final Flourish

Bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown, with edges crisping up like a delicate lace. Let it rest briefly, allowing flavors to settle and excitement to build.

Customize Your Baked Mac and Cheese Your Way

• Cheese Lover's Delight: Elevate your mac and cheese game with these pro tips and exciting variations!
• Cheese Blend Magic: Mix different cheese types like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or fontina for a more complex flavor profile. Experiment with unique combinations to discover your perfect cheesy blend.
• Crispy Topping Tricks: Create an irresistible crunchy layer by adding breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed potato chips before baking. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this classic dish into a complete meal by adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, shredded chicken, or crispy pancetta. These protein additions make the mac and cheese more filling and satisfying.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing in roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or caramelized onions. Chop them finely to blend seamlessly into the cheesy goodness.
• Spice it Up: Add depth with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a little kick. Herbs like fresh thyme or chives can also bring a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.

Serve Macaroni and Cheese That Feels Homemade

• Hearty Side Kick: Pair this creamy macaroni and cheese with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add some fresh crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the dish by mixing in crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken chunks, or diced ham to transform this comfort food into a complete protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger.
• Veggie Boost: Fold in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions before baking to sneak extra nutrients and add delightful texture variations to the classic mac and cheese.
• Spice Sensation: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes, drizzle hot sauce, or add diced jalapeños on top for those who love a zesty kick and want to elevate the flavor profile with a little heat.

Store and Reheat Macaroni to Keep It Tasty

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious the next day.
• Freezer-Friendly Portions: Divide the dish into individual servings before freezing. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen mac and cheese stays fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Bring refrigerated mac and cheese back to life by adding a splash of milk before warming. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. For a crispy top, use the oven method – spread in a baking dish and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire recipe in advance and keep refrigerated. This creamy dish works perfectly as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or quick lunch options. Simply reheat and enjoy a comforting, cheesy treat without the extra cooking time.

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic homemade macaroni and cheese brings comfort to dinner tables across America. Creamy cheddar, tender pasta, and a golden breadcrumb topping make this dish a hearty family favorite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) shredded medium cheddar
• 8 oz (226 g) shredded colby jack
• 8 oz (226 g) shredded mozzarella
• 4 oz (113 g) shredded sharp cheddar
• 4 oz (113 g) shredded white cheddar
• ¼ cup whipped cream cheese
• 1 lb (454 g) pasta noodles (elbow or rotini recommended)
• 7 tbsps room temperature butter, divided
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3.5 cups half and half
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cheese Preparation: Shred medium cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella, reserving one cup of each for the final topping.
2. Preparation: Mince garlic and prepare butter portions.
3. Pasta Foundation: Preheat oven to 425°F and boil water. Cook pasta until slightly firm, drain, and transfer to a casserole dish. Lavishly coat noodles with butter for a rich base.
4. Flavor Development: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until translucent, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
5. Sauce Construction: Integrate flour into the butter-garlic mixture, creating a golden roux. Stream in reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half, whisking until the sauce transforms into a silky, thickened liquid.
6. Cheese Integration: Lower heat and methodically incorporate remaining shredded cheeses, ensuring complete melting. Fold in cream cheese and dry seasonings to build a luxurious, multidimensional sauce.
7. Assembly and Topping: Gently combine cheese sauce with buttered pasta, ensuring uniform coverage. Distribute reserved cheese blend across the surface for a tempting crisp layer.
8. Baking Finale: Bake for 10 minutes, then activate broiler to achieve a golden, crackling cheese crust. Watch attentively to prevent scorching.
9. Resting Period: Remove from oven and allow the dish to settle, enabling sauce to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Optimize Cheese Selection: Choose high-quality, freshly shredded cheeses for maximum flavor and melting performance.

Prevent Sauce Separation: Maintain low, steady heat when incorporating cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without graininess.

Master Pasta Texture: Undercook pasta by 2-3 minutes during boiling to prevent mushiness after baking, allowing it to absorb sauce perfectly.

Control Broiling Technique: Position oven rack in upper-middle position and watch cheese topping closely during final 2-3 minutes to achieve golden-brown perfection without burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 586
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 712 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg