Get ready to discover the BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE you’ll ever make! This dreamy dish is loaded with all your favorite cheeses, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, rich sauce that bakes up golden and bubbling every single time. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck, or cozy night in, this mac and cheese strikes that craveable balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia—you’ll be going back for seconds and thirds!

BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of classic, straightforward ingredients for the BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE, but each choice makes a huge difference in the final dish. Every element, from the pasta to the trio of cheeses, brings something unique—think unforgettable flavor, irresistible crunches of cheese, or dreamy, creamy texture.

Elbow macaroni (10 oz): The traditional pasta shape, perfect for hugging all that luscious cheese sauce.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps form the creamy roux base.
All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Ensures your sauce thickens up beautifully without lumps.
Whole milk (3 cups): Brings a gentle creaminess and adds moisture to the cheese sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For that extra level of velvety richness that makes every bite luxurious.
Cream cheese (¼ cup, room temperature): Melts right in for next-level smoothness and tang.
Salt (½ to 1 teaspoon): Enhances all the cheesy, buttery notes; adjust to taste.
Black pepper (½ to 1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the flavors.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Layers in earthy, savory depth without overpowering the cheese.
Paprika (1 tsp): Gives a gentle smokiness and wonderful color to the sauce and topping.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Brings sweetness and a savory backbone to the overall flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup for sauce, ½ cup for layering): The melty classic that keeps things bold and vibrant.
Shredded Gruyère cheese (1 cup for sauce, ½ cup for layering): Adds nuttiness and a more complex cheesy note.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup for sauce, ½ cup for layering): Essential for that stretchy, gooey texture on top.
Chopped fresh parsley (1 tbsp): Sprinkled as a final touch for color and a pop of freshness.

How to Make BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

Step 1: Preheat and Boil the Pasta

Set your oven to 350F so it’s ready for baking later. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it’s just al dente—you want it slightly firm so it won’t get mushy during baking. Drain and set aside, resisting the urge to rinse (this keeps the starch and helps your sauce cling).

Step 2: Prepare and Shred Your Cheeses

Shred the cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses yourself if you can—pre-shredded cheese often includes anti-caking agents that don’t melt as seamlessly. Divide each cheese into the amounts needed for the sauce and for layering, so you’re set up for easy assembly.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Start the Sauce

Melt the butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Sprinkle in your flour and whisk constantly for about a minute, until it forms a golden, fragrant roux. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder, stirring for another minute to open up the flavors.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Pour in the milk and heavy cream, then add the cream cheese. Whisk until everything’s combined, letting the mixture heat up until it begins to bubble gently—this cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce. Remove from the heat, then gradually stir in 1 cup each of the cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheese, allowing them to melt before adding more for an ultra-smooth finish.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained macaroni to your ultra-creamy cheese sauce and mix until every noodle is thoroughly coated. Give it a taste to see if you’d like a touch more salt, pepper, or any extra spices—this is your moment to season to perfection!

Step 6: Layer Up in the Baking Dish

Grab a 7×11 inch casserole or ceramic baking dish (or similar size). Spoon in half of your macaroni and cheese and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the reserved layering cheeses over, then add the rest of the macaroni mixture on top. Finish by blanketing with the remaining cheeses for that irresistible baked crust.

Step 7: Garnish and Bake

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and lightly dust with a little extra paprika for color. Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you love a golden top, broil for a couple of minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Let the dish cool slightly to help the cheese set, then scoop generous portions onto plates. There’s nothing like that first creamy, stretchy forkful of this ultimate comfort food!

How to Serve BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the color but adds a subtle freshness that balances all the rich cheese. If you want to take it up a notch, try a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a handful of toasted breadcrumbs right before serving for extra crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE with a crisp green salad lightly tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or roast up some simple veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for balance. It’s also fantastic alongside barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or a juicy burger for the ultimate comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—guests love a personalized gratin! Or, spoon leftovers into muffin tins, bake until golden, and serve as bite-sized, portable mac and cheese “cups” for potlucks and parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the dish has cooled to room temperature before transferring, to avoid condensation and soggy pasta.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze the BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE! Let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a lidded freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover your dish with foil and bake at 350F until hot and bubbly, about 20–25 minutes. For single portions, a splash of milk and a quick turn in the microwave works well—just don’t overheat, as the sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for the BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE, small shells, cavatappi, or penne also work wonderfully and catch plenty of sauce in their nooks and crannies.

What’s the secret to an ultra-creamy cheese sauce?

The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and a touch of cream cheese guarantees a silky smooth sauce. Adding the shredded cheeses gradually (and off direct heat) helps prevent lumps or graininess.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the entire recipe up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes, then bake as instructed.

Is it possible to lighten up the recipe?

You can use lower-fat milk and reduce the amount of heavy cream, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might change slightly. Greek yogurt can work in place of some cream cheese for tang and creaminess, too.

What cheese blend works best if I want to switch it up?

Get creative! You can swap in gouda, fontina, Monterey Jack, or even sharp provolone along with the cheddar for different flavor profiles, just keep the cheese-to-sauce ratio the same for best results.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE, you’ll see why it’s such a favorite—it’s shockingly simple yet delivers big on flavor and comfort. Next time you’re craving something cozy, give this recipe a spin and watch it disappear faster than you can say “cheesy goodness!”

BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE