Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese

A baked homemade mac and cheese casserole topped with golden, melted cheese sits in a white rectangular dish with wooden handles on a dark cutting board, with a wooden spoon in the background.

5 from 10 votes

A rich, ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese made with three cheeses, warm spices, and a golden bubbly top—perfect for holidays, cookouts, or comforting family dinners.

Prep Time15

Cook Time35

Rest Time5

Total Time55

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: american recipe, baked mac and cheese, ultimate baked mac and cheese

Servings:

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni
2 –4 tbsp salted butter plus more for greasing dish
2 large eggs beaten
2 13 oz cans evaporated milk
3 cups whole milk
16 oz Swiss cheese shredded
16 oz medium cheddar cheese shredded
16 oz cream cheese room temperature
3 tsp salt
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp dry mustard powder
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a large baking dish with extra butter.
Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain well and return to the pot off the heat. Add the 2–4 tablespoons salted butter and toss until melted and evenly distributed. Let the macaroni cool until warm before combining it with the egg mixture.
In a large bowl, whisk cream cheese and evaporated milk until mostly smooth.
Stir in whole milk, salt, Cajun seasoning, mustard powder, and nutmeg.
Add half of the Swiss and cheddar cheeses; mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Whisk in beaten eggs until fully incorporated.
Add macaroni to the baking dish and gently stir in cheese sauce.
Top with remaining Swiss and cheddar cheeses. Finish with black pepper.
Bake 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Broil 2–3 minutes for a crusty top if desired.
Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Cook the macaroni just to al dente; it will continue softening in the oven.
Taste and adjust the dairy mixture before adding the raw eggs, never afterward.
Check for 165°F in the center and rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition is estimated per 1/8 of the recipe using 3 tablespoons of butter, table salt, and a salted Cajun-style seasoning with 340 mg sodium per 1/4 teaspoon. Extra butter for greasing and the pepper garnish are not included. Values vary with brands and portions.

Nutrition