Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re anything like me and crave comfort food that warms the soul, you’re going to absolutely adore this Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. I promise you, it hits all the right notes: creamy, cheesy, and perfected with a golden, bubbly crust. The kind of dish that everyone at the table will reach for seconds — or thirds! Stick around and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail that irresistible, velvety texture every single time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Picking the right ingredients really helps the flavors to shine. I like to go with a high-quality bronze-cut elbow macaroni for that perfect bite, and the cheese combo is absolutely key — you want sharp cheddar mixed with melty mozzarella. Everything else works together to create that luscious, creamy sauce we’re all after.

• Unsalted butter: Butter forms the base of the roux, so opt for good quality for a richer sauce.
• Fine sea salt: I use this to season both the pasta water and the sauce – it’s all about layering flavor.
• Elbow macaroni pasta: Bronze-cut pasta holds sauce better – trust me, the texture is a game-changer.
• Reserved pasta water: This little secret helps loosen the sauce and brings everything together beautifully.
• Extra-light olive oil: Keeps the pasta from sticking after cooking without affecting flavor.
• Medium cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp and flavorful, cheddar is the star of any mac and cheese recipe.
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Adds melty creaminess and helps form that gooey center we all crave.
• All-purpose flour: The thickening agent for the roux — it’s what turns the milk and cream into a velvety sauce.
• Whole milk: Gives the sauce a creamy base without weighing it down.
• Heavy cream: Adds luscious richness and smooth mouthfeel to the cheese sauce.
• Paprika: A subtle smoky warmth that boosts the flavor depth.
• Mustard powder or Dijon mustard: You’ll be surprised how this tangy note amps up the cheesiness.
• Garlic powder: Just enough to bring savory goodness without overpowering.
• Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing the richness with a touch of spice.

Variations

One of the best things about this Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. I love experimenting with add-ins and swaps — it keeps dinner interesting and lets you tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs.

• Protein boost: I often toss in crispy cooked bacon or diced ham, and my family goes crazy for the extra savory punch.
• Veggie upgrade: Steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms mixed in bring a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
• Dairy-free option: Try swapping out the milk and cream for oat or cashew milk, and use vegan cheeses — you’ll need to tweak the thickness, but it’s delicious.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.

How to Make Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your casserole dish with butter — this helps the mac and cheese release easily after baking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (I use 1 tablespoon salt here) and cook the macaroni until it’s al dente — not mushy, but cooked through. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. Toss the hot pasta with a splash of olive oil to keep it from sticking and set it aside. This little trick ensures your noodles stay separate and saucy.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt your butter over medium heat. When it foams up, whisk in the flour and keep whisking for around two minutes until it turns just a shade golden—this cooks out the raw flour taste and builds that silky base. Gradually stream in the milk, heavy cream, and reserved pasta water while whisking continuously. The sauce will thicken nicely after 2-3 minutes of gentle simmering. Mix in paprika, mustard powder (or Dijon mustard), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The spices add a subtle depth you might not expect but will definitely notice!

Step 3: Melt Cheese into the Sauce and Combine

Add half of your shredded cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Then stir in the rest of the cheese (except the final topping amount), letting it melt through the sauce. Once it’s creamy and totally cheesy, fold in your cooked macaroni so every nook is coated. I like to taste here and adjust salt and pepper—you want it perfectly balanced before it goes into the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your mac and cheese into the buttered casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling — this gets your crust going. For an extra golden, slightly crispy topping, switch to broil and watch closely for 2-3 minutes. Keep in mind, broil times can vary, so don’t walk away! Then, let it rest a few minutes for easier serving and maximum gooey joy.

How to Serve Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving—not only does it add a pop of color, but the fresh herbal notes cut through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I’ll toss on a few crispy shallots or even a dusting of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese shines as the star, so I usually pair it with something green and fresh like a crisp spinach salad with vinaigrette or some garlicky steamed green beans. Roasted Brussels sprouts with a squeeze of lemon also balance the creaminess perfectly. You honestly can’t go wrong with simple roasted veggies or even some crispy fried chicken on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual ramekins for a fancy touch or bake it in mini cast-iron skillets that keep it piping hot on the table. If you’re hosting, consider layering some crispy prosciutto or caramelized onions on top before baking for a wow factor. It’s guaranteed to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually taste even better the next day once everything has had time to meld together.

Freezing

Freezing mac and cheese can be tricky, but this recipe freezes well if you wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. I recommend freezing it before baking, then thaw completely overnight before baking as usual. This way, the texture stays creamy and the cheese topping still browns nicely.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover the dish with foil and warm it gently in a 325°F oven until bubbly. If the sauce has thickened too much, a splash of milk stirred in before heating helps loosen it back up without losing that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe turns out every time — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked with a golden, bubbly top. When I first tried this, I was amazed how something so indulgent could be so easy and family-friendly. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck hit, I know this recipe will quickly become one of your go-tos. Give it a whirl, and I’m confident it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe lineup too!

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