When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm, creamy, and cheesy plate of mac and cheese. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, a little taste of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe has you covered. It’s rich, indulgent, and topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
This isn’t your average mac and cheese. With layers of flavor from a blend of five cheeses, a luscious cream sauce, and just the right amount of seasoning, you’re about to take your mac game to the next level. Let’s dive in, because once you try this recipe, you’ll never look back.
Why You Need This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese in Your Life
This isn’t just a side dish—it’s an experience. Imagine tender pasta coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce with just the right balance of creaminess and bold flavor. The golden crust on top adds that extra texture to create the ultimate bite every time.
Here’s why this dish is a must-make:
- Family-Friendly Favorite: It’s a dish that satisfies picky eaters and foodies alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual dinners to holiday feasts, this mac and cheese is always a hit.
- Customizable: With so many variations, you can make it your own by adding proteins, veggies, or spices.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Prep it in advance and bake when you’re ready for stress-free entertaining.
- Unmatched Flavor: The blend of cheeses, combined with the creamy sauce and a hint of seasoning, is pure perfection.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create this creamy baked masterpiece:
Pasta and Base:
- 1 lb. Pasta Noodles (elbow macaroni, shells, or your favorite shape)
- 7 tbsp. Butter, room temperature, divided
- ½ cup Reserved Pasta Water
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 3.5 cups Half and Half
- 12 oz. Shredded Medium Cheddar
- 8 oz. Shredded Colby Jack
- 8 oz. Shredded Mozzarella
- 4 oz. Shredded Sharp Cheddar
- 4 oz. Shredded White Cheddar
- ¼ cup Whipped Cream Cheese
Seasoning:
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ tsp. Onion Powder
- ½ tsp. Paprika
- ½ tsp. Mustard Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Topping:
- Reserved cheese: 1 cup Medium Cheddar, 1 cup Colby Jack, and 1 cup Mozzarella
Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Shred all your cheeses in advance. Keep 1 cup each of cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella for the topping.
- Mince the garlic and cut your butter into 7 tablespoon portions.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until just shy of al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the oven).
- Before straining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Toss the drained pasta with 2 tablespoons of butter in a 9×13 casserole dish and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute or until golden.
- Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half, whisking constantly. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Spices
- Lower the heat to low. Add the shredded cheeses (excluding the reserved topping cheese) one handful at a time, whisking until fully melted.
- Stir in the cream cheese, onion powder, paprika, and mustard powder. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cheese sauce over the buttered pasta in the casserole dish. Mix until the noodles are fully coated.
- Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Broil for the Perfect Crust
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese topping turns golden and crispy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Undercooking ensures the noodles stay firm during baking.
- Whisk Constantly: This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents lumps.
- Add Layers: For extra flavor, mix some cheese directly into the pasta before adding the sauce.
- Make It Smoky: Add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth.
- Keep it Creamy: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.
- Customize the Topping: Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra crunch.
15 Variations to Try
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add cooked, crumbled bacon.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac: Stir in shredded buffalo chicken.
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: Fold in chunks of cooked lobster.
- Jalapeño Popper Mac: Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese.
- Pulled Pork Mac: Mix in tender pulled pork.
- Truffle Mac: Drizzle with truffle oil before baking.
- Vegetarian Delight: Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
- Broccoli Cheddar Mac: Stir in cooked broccoli florets.
- Spicy Chorizo Mac: Add cooked chorizo for a kick.
- Cauliflower Mac: Swap half the pasta for roasted cauliflower.
- Four-Cheese Mac: Use Parmesan, Gruyere, Gouda, and Fontina.
- Barbecue Mac: Drizzle with BBQ sauce and add smoked sausage.
- Seafood Mac: Add shrimp and crab meat.
- Pesto Mac: Swirl in a few spoonfuls of pesto.
- Mexican Mac: Mix in taco seasoning, black beans, and corn.
What to Serve with Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- BBQ Ribs
- Grilled Chicken
- Smoked Brisket
- Fried Chicken
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Garlic Bread
- Cornbread
- Roasted Vegetables
- Green Salad
- Coleslaw
- Baked Beans
- Steamed Broccoli
- Sauteed Spinach
- Creamy Tomato Soup
- Pickled Vegetables
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.
How Much to Make for Family Gatherings
- For a small gathering of 4–6 people, one batch (serves 6–8) is plenty.
- For larger gatherings of 10–12 people, double the recipe.
- Hosting a crowd of 20 or more? Triple the recipe and use two large casserole dishes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pasta and cheese sauce up to 2 days in advance. Combine them in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
- When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shred all your cheeses in advance. Keep 1 cup each of cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella for the topping. Mince the garlic and cut your butter into 7 tablespoon portions.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until just shy of al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the oven). Before straining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Toss the drained pasta with 2 tablespoons of butter in a 9×13 casserole dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute or until golden. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half, whisking constantly. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. - Lower the heat to low. Add the shredded cheeses (excluding the reserved topping cheese) one handful at a time, whisking until fully melted. Stir in the cream cheese, onion powder, paprika, and mustard powder. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the buttered pasta in the casserole dish. Mix until the noodles are fully coated. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheeses evenly over the top. Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese topping turns golden and crispy.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness!
