Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy & Comforting
When it comes to classic comfort food, nothing beats a creamy and gooey baked mac and cheese recipe. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy on top, cheesy in the middle, and full of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday side dish, baked macaroni and cheese is always a winner.
Unlike stovetop mac and cheese, baking it in the oven gives it a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside rich and creamy. This recipe is simple, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy cheese lovers everywhere.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Pasta & Cheese Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Cook pasta – Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make roux – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Prepare sauce – Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream. Stir constantly until thickened. Add mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add cheeses – Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta & sauce – Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Prepare topping – In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and parsley.
- Assemble – Pour mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve – Let cool for 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 portions
Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Add Gruyère or Fontina for more depth of flavor.
- Spicy kick: Stir in diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
- Meat lover’s version: Add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken.
- Vegetable boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or roasted mushrooms.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble mac and cheese, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour substitute (like rice flour or cornstarch for the roux).
- Low-Fat: Replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk and reduce cheese.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap macaroni with cauliflower florets and use almond flour for topping.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese blends.
Serving Suggestions
This baked mac and cheese recipe pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or fresh green salads. It’s also a great side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday family dinners. Serve it hot, straight out of the oven, with that irresistible crispy topping and creamy center.
Once you try this homemade baked mac and cheese, you’ll never go back to the boxed version again!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
Q3: Why is my mac and cheese dry?
Overbaking or using too little sauce can cause dryness. Make sure there’s enough cheese sauce before baking.
Q4: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s better to shred cheese from a block for smoother melting, as pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents.
Q5: How can I make it creamier?
Add an extra half cup of cream or stir in cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
