The Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

The Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and golden brown on top — everything you want in a comforting casserole. This Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese tastes just like Mom’s favorite baked mac and cheese, bubbling straight from the oven.It’s the kind of Mac and Cheese Recipe that tastes just like Mom’s favorite baked mac and cheese, bubbling straight from the oven. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or weeknight cravings, this dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce that melts in every bite. You’ll never go back to boxed mac again!

Why You’ll Love It

• Family favorite: This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe has been passed down for generations and never disappoints.
• Super creamy: A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and a touch of cream cheese makes the sauce incredibly rich.
• Perfect crust: Baked with buttery breadcrumbs for that irresistible golden top.
• Versatile: Great as a side dish or a main meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flavor.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
5. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly.
8. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top (optional).
9. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a Southern Baked Mac and Cheese twist, add a touch of evaporated milk and extra sharp cheddar for that soul food flavor.
• Try adding cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Use different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety.

If you love rich and creamy dishes, check out our Smoked Mac and Cheese or our Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for more cheesy inspiration.

Serving Suggestions

This Macaroni and Cheese Casserole pairs perfectly with BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or roasted vegetables. For a cozy holiday spread, serve it alongside Thanksgiving side dishes or a crisp green salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, or in the microwave for a quick single serving. Add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the creaminess.

FAQs

More to Try

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Over Mashed Potatoes
• Brown Sugar Overnight Oats
• Apple and Sage Turkey Meatballs
• Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
• Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Conclusion

This truly is The Best Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe Ever — creamy, cheesy, and full of nostalgia. Whether you’re making Mom’s Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese or trying a more Award-winning Southern Baked Mac and Cheese version, one thing’s certain: every forkful is pure comfort food bliss.

The Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and golden brown on top, this Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese is everything you want in a comforting casserole.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flavor.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
5. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
6. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly.
8. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top (optional).
9. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

Notes

Try adding cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños for extra flavor. Use different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni, casserole, comfort food, cheesy pasta