Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Sharp cheddar is classic, but combining it with mozzarella or Gruyère gives a meltier texture and deeper flavor.

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

Scale

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

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

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