If you’re looking for the ultimate baked mac & cheese, this is it. Super creamy, extra cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this recipe is everything you love about classic mac & cheese but taken up a notch. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for family dinners, holidays, or whenever that mac & cheese craving hits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Extra creamy texture – No dry mac & cheese here!
Golden, crispy topping – The contrast between creamy cheese and crispy baked goodness is unbeatable.
Perfect for gatherings – Always a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable – Add bacon, different cheeses, or spice it up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a sneak peek at what goes into this creamy mac & cheese—full list below!

Pasta – Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or cavatappi work too.
Butter & flour – For the rich, velvety roux that makes the cheese sauce so smooth.
Milk & heavy cream – A combination for the perfect balance of creaminess.
Cheese – Sharp cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella melt beautifully together.
Seasonings – A little garlic powder, mustard, and a pinch of cayenne take the flavor to the next level.
Breadcrumb topping – A mix of butter and breadcrumbs gives it that irresistible crunch.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Pasta

Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside while you make the sauce.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in the seasonings.

Melt the Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheeses, letting them melt into a silky-smooth sauce.

Combine Everything

Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated.

Prepare for Baking

Pour the mac & cheese into a buttered baking dish and sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb topping over the top.

Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent melting properly.
Don’t overcook the pasta – It will finish cooking in the oven.
Use a mix of cheeses – A blend of cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella creates the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Spicy version – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Protein boost – Stir in crispy bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Make it extra crispy – Use crushed Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs for the topping.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

BBQ meats – Perfect alongside ribs, brisket, or grilled chicken.
A fresh salad – Balances the richness of the dish.
Garlic bread – Because more carbs are always a good idea!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze unbaked mac & cheese for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What’s the best cheese for mac & cheese?

Sharp cheddar is key, but mixing in gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack makes it even better.

Can I make this without baking?

Absolutely! If you prefer a stovetop version, skip the baking step and serve right after mixing.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Using both milk and cream, along with plenty of cheese, keeps it ultra-creamy. Covering with foil while baking also helps.

Conclusion

This Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is rich, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight comfort meal or a holiday side dish, it’s always a hit. Try it out and enjoy the creamiest mac & cheese ever!

The Creamiest Baked Mac & Cheese – Pure Comfort in Every Bite

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Super creamy, extra cheesy mac & cheese baked to golden perfection. Rich, velvety sauce made with a blend of sharp cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella coats perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a buttery, crispy breadcrumb topping. A comforting classic perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you need a warm bowl of comfort food.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, Dijon mustard, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
Melt the Cheeses:
Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.
Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the mac & cheese mixture into a buttered baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven.
Freshly shred your cheese for the best melting quality.
If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking.