Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese

5 from 4 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 butter.
Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
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.

Notes

Letting the dish rest helps it set for perfect slices.
For extra richness, lean toward the full 4 tablespoons of butter.

Nutrition