Is there anything more comforting than a creamy, cheesy, baked mac and cheese? This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—rich, indulgent, and loaded with layers of gooey, melty cheese. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving the best mac and cheese ever, this recipe is a total game-changer.
The secret? A luscious, velvety cheese sauce made with a blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella, plus a crispy, golden topping that adds the perfect crunch. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Why You’ll Love Baked Mac and Cheese
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a dish that brings comfort and joy. Whether it’s a holiday staple or a weeknight treat, this mac and cheese will never disappoint.
Is this Baked Mac and Cheese for you? Let’s see. Baked Mac and Cheese is…
- Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – A luxurious blend of three cheeses makes every bite rich and satisfying.
- Perfectly Spiced – Garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder enhance the flavors beautifully.
- Comfort Food Heaven – This dish is pure nostalgia, taking you back to childhood with every spoonful.
- Golden & Crunchy – The crispy cheese topping adds the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and guaranteed delicious results!
Ingredients in Baked Mac and Cheese
Here’s what makes this mac and cheese so incredibly rich and flavorful:
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice, perfectly shaped to hold all that creamy cheese sauce. Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create the smooth roux for the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Works as a thickening agent, making the sauce silky and luscious.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: The dynamic duo for an ultra-creamy base. Cream Cheese: Gives the sauce extra richness and a smooth, velvety texture.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the flavors. Garlic Powder, Paprika & Onion Powder: Bring warmth and depth to the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and bold, this cheese is the backbone of any great mac and cheese.
Gruyère Cheese: Buttery and slightly nutty, it melts beautifully into the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that stretchy, gooey goodness that makes mac and cheese irresistible.
Shredded Cheese (for Topping): A final layer of cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crust.
Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness to finish things off.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Let’s dive into the steps to create this indulgent masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden and bubbling. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Add the Cheeses & Spices: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until melted. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Gradually mix in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is coated in that luscious sauce.
Assemble & Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheeses on top for that golden crust.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm. Get ready to experience the creamiest, dreamiest mac and cheese ever!
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a superstar on its own, but here are some great ways to enjoy it even more:
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- Paired with BBQ: Serve alongside ribs, brisket, or pulled pork for the ultimate comfort meal.
- As a Holiday Side: A must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- Topped with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, savory twist.
- Loaded with Veggies: Stir in roasted broccoli, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Tips & Variations
For Extra Creaminess: Stir in an extra splash of heavy cream before baking to keep it ultra-smooth.
Want a Crunchy Topping? Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese topping before baking.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little heat.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Freezing Option: You can freeze mac and cheese before baking! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Baked Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that brings people together. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection it’s everything comfort food should be. Once you try this homemade version, boxed mac and cheese will be a thing of the past!
Best Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 10 oz elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup unsalted butter 56g
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk 720g
- 1 cup heavy cream 240g
- ¼ cup cream cheese room temperature (4 oz or 113g)
- ½ to 1 tsp salt
- ½ to 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese for topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir until golden and fragrant.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Whisk and cook until the mixture comes to a boil. Turn off heat.
- Gradually add 1 cup each of cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella while stirring until melted.
- Combine the pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the dish:
- Grease a 7×11-inch casserole dish.
- Spread half of the mac and cheese mixture into the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the reserved shredded cheeses on top.
- Add the remaining mac and cheese, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted. Broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot!
