Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings all the cheesy, dreamy goodness right into your kitchen. I absolutely love how rich and velvety it turns out every single time — and best of all, it’s super easy to make! So, let’s get cozy and dive into why this mac and cheese casserole might just become one of your all-time favorites.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this creamy mac and cheese casserole recipe plays a crucial role—from the pasta texture to the cheesy richness and that crunchy topping. I like to choose fresh, high-quality cheeses and make sure the Dijon mustard is mild, so your sauce comes out smooth and perfectly balanced.

• Cavatappi or Elbow Noodles: Their twisty shape catches the cheesy sauce beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Keeps control over saltiness and gives a silky mouthfeel when combined with flour for the roux.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce without clumps.
• Whole Milk & Evaporated Milk: The mix gives creaminess and body without heaviness.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and a depth of flavor — much milder than American mustard.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices boost savory notes without overpowering.
• Dried Parsley: Gives a touch of earthiness and color.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, for gentle heat.
• Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère Cheeses: The magic trio — shredded fresh to melt perfectly and avoid thickening issues.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the rich cheese.
• Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy topping.
• Melted Butter (for topping): Ensures golden, toasty crumbs every time.

Variations

I love how this creamy mac and cheese casserole is like a blank canvas. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs — and honestly, that’s one of the reasons I reach for this recipe again and again.

• Add Bacon or Ham: I once tossed in crispy bacon bits and it took the flavor up a notch—my family was hooked.
• Make it Spicy: A pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce brought a pleasant kick that I really enjoy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux—you won’t miss a beat.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed peas, spinach, or roasted broccoli for an extra nutritious dose.

How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

One of the secrets I discovered early is not to overcook your pasta. Cook your cavatappi or elbow noodles until just al dente—meaning still a little firm when you bite into it. You want to undercook by about a minute because the pasta will continue to bake and absorb flavors in the oven, avoiding mushy results. Once drained, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and keep noodles from sticking together.

Step 2: Make a Perfectly Smooth Cheese Sauce

In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook it for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in both the whole milk and evaporated milk until the sauce is smooth, then add your Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and black pepper. Let this simmer gently until it thickens, usually about 3 minutes. At this point, stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth—this step is key to making your sauce lusciously creamy.

Step 3: Layer it Like a Pro

Fold the cooked noodles into the cheese sauce. If your skillet feels crowded, transfer to a larger bowl to mix evenly. Pour half of this cheesy pasta into your greased casserole dish, then sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese over it. Spread the entire cup of sour cream over the Gruyère—this creates a rich, tangy layer that mellows the flavors beautifully. Add the remaining cheesy noodles on top and sprinkle the rest of the Gruyère for that gorgeous melting cheese finish.

Step 4: Crunchy Topping & Bake

Mix the seasoned panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole. This finishing touch bakes into a golden, crispy contrast that I always look forward to. Pop your casserole into a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling hot and the top is beautifully browned. Let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving—that helps everything set up perfectly and makes scooping easier.

How to Serve Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of truffle oil when I want to feel fancy at home—the aroma absolutely elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is rich and hearty, I like pairing it with something light and crisp like a simple green salad or steamed green beans with lemon. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a tangy coleslaw also balance the creamy texture nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or potlucks, I’ve served this mac and cheese casserole in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—it always looks impressive and keeps each portion nicely warm. You could also add colorful veggies between layers for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your family has devoured their first helping, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I cover mine well with foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. To freeze, wrap tightly with plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake with the topping added—no one can tell it was frozen!

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, sprinkle a little milk over the portion and microwave in 30-second intervals until hot and creamy. Or, warm in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil for 15 minutes, then uncovered for 5 minutes to crisp the topping again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This creamy mac and cheese casserole recipe has been such a joy to perfect and share — it’s reliably rich and cozy, yet never feels heavy or bland. When I first made it for my family, the leftovers disappeared fast, and now it’s a staple for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a favorite that warms your table and your heart. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy bite!

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