What makes this the best homemade baked mac and cheese?

This recipe creates the ultimate comfort food by combining a rich, creamy cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and a golden, crispy top. The secret lies in using a blend of high-quality cheeses like sharp cheddar and cream cheese for extra richness. Baking it in the oven gives you that irresistible contrast between the creamy interior and the beautifully browned, bubbly surface. It's made from scratch with simple ingredients, so you know exactly what goes into every delicious bite.

How do you make thick mac and cheese that won't be watery?

The key to a thick, creamy mac and cheese is creating a proper roux with butter and flour as your base, then gradually whisking in milk or cream. Make sure to cook the roux for a few minutes to eliminate any flour taste, and add your liquids slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Don't overcook your pasta - it should be slightly al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Adding cream cheese or a bit of cornstarch can also help thicken the sauce and prevent it from breaking.

Can I use cream cheese in my easy mac and cheese recipe?

Absolutely! Cream cheese is a fantastic addition that makes your homemade mac and cheese incredibly smooth and luxurious. It helps prevent the cheese sauce from separating and adds a wonderful tangy richness that complements the other cheeses perfectly. Start with about 4-8 ounces of softened cream cheese for a standard recipe, and whisk it in after you've melted your other cheeses. This little trick will give you restaurant-quality results with minimal extra effort.

What temperature should I bake homemade mac and cheese in the oven?

Bake your mac and cheese at 350°F (175°C) for the best results. This moderate temperature allows the dish to heat through evenly without drying out or burning the top. Most recipes need about 25-35 minutes in the oven, depending on the size of your dish. If you want extra browning on top, you can increase the temperature to 375°F for the last 10 minutes or use the broiler for 2-3 minutes while watching carefully.

How long does baked mac and cheese stay fresh?

Your delicious cheesy homemade mac and cheese will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the texture may be slightly different when reheated. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess and warm it gently in the oven at 325°F until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Magic Comfort at Heart

Name: Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Magic Comfort at Heart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

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It started in Grandma’s kitchenwith elbows bubbling on the stove and that creamy, golden scent curling into every corner. Now, this baked mac and cheese recipe is trending on TikTok and Pinterestand for good reason. It’s rich, cozy, and only takes about 20 minutes of prep. Be warned: you may want seconds.

Contents show

This dish is a browned, bubbly dream. Crisp on top, with a warm, velvety center that wraps you up in cheesy comfort. Featuring sharp cheddar, cream cheese, mozzarella, and a touch of milkit’s simple, pantry-friendly, and a step up from the boxed kind. Find the full breakdown throughout this blog post!

I grew up stirring elbows and grating cheese beside my mom each Sunday, apron strings tied in a floppy knot. I’ve tested this version dozens of timesand trust me, it purrs. Just wait for the trick I toss in before bakingit makes all the difference.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

This dish is pure cozy comfort with a hint of nostalgia. Here’s why it’s so easy to adore:

Cheesy and creamy: With four types of cheese, every bite gives you that velvety, gooey perfection.
Baked to golden perfection: The panko breadcrumb topping adds just the right crispy crunch for texture contrast.
Family-friendly: Ideal for a weeknight dinner, holiday table, or potluck gatheringthis dish pleases all ages.
Beginner-friendly: Uses easy techniques and ingredients you already keep on hand.

This baked mac and cheese recipe fits anywherefrom casual meals to memorable celebrations. It’s comfort food at its best.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is short, familiar, and entirely achievableeven for last-minute meal plans. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Ingredients for baked mac and cheese recipe: elbow pasta, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, butter, flour, milk, panko

Ingredient	Role in the Recipe
Elbow macaroni	The classic pasta shape that holds cheese sauce in every crevice.
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan	Add creaminess, depth, and stretch for that satisfying cheese pull.
Butter and flour	Used to create a smooth roux, the foundation for thick, velvety sauce.
Whole milk	Creamy base that binds the cheese into sauce while staying light.
Panko breadcrumbs	Delivers that golden, crispy topping everyone loves.

How It Works: Step-by-Step

If this is your first time trying a baked mac and cheese recipe, don’t worryit’s incredibly doable. Here’s your straightforward roadmap:

Boil the pasta: Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente (firm with a slight bite). This prevents mushiness during baking.
Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt butter, add the flour, and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until it’s golden and smells toasty. This removes raw flour taste.
Add milk and make the sauce: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Let it simmer on medium heat until thickened to the consistency of heavy cream.
Stir in the cheese: Add your cheeses graduallycheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese if usinguntil melted and silky. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (about ½ teaspoon each, or to taste).
Combine and top: Fold the drained pasta into cheese sauce. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, top with a bit more shredded cheddar and panko.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Pro Tip: Stir constantly when adding milk to the roux to avoid lumps, and let the sauce thicken fully before adding cheese. It’s the secret to creamynot grainymac and cheese.

Troubleshooting & Helpful Tweaks

Even simple comfort food offers room for tweaks. Here’s how to fix the common hiccups:

Too thick? Whisk in a splash of warm milk until it’s velvety again.
Too bland? Boost your seasoningtry extra pepper, a pinch of garlic powder, or a dash more paprika.
No breadcrumbs? Crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or even cornflakes offer a similar crunch.

This dish welcomes small adjustmentsmake it your own!

Serving and Storing Your Baked Mac and Cheese

Whether fresh from the oven or reheated for next-day comfort, this dish is reliably satisfying. Here’s how to enjoy and preserve it:

Serving: Pairs beautifully with something greentry a lemony kale salad or roasted broccoli for balance.
Storing: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze as noted below.

Storage Method	How To Reheat
Fridge	Reheat in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes. Or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between rounds.
Freezer	Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven uncovered at 350°F until warmed through.

Pro Tip: Always add a tablespoon or two of milk to revive the creamy texture before reheating!

Expert Insight: The Science Behind Baked Mac and Cheese

What makes baked mac and cheese irresistibly creamy? The answer lies in the starch from the pasta marrying with your cheese sauce and forming a thickened, emulsified base. Roux stabilizes the cheese as it melts, while baking adds texture contrast by crisping the top layer, all while keeping that luscious interior.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

The Story Behind This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

It took trial, error, and a lot of cheese tastings to perfect this baked mac and cheese recipe. I learned that slowing down the sauce and layering the cheeses carefully transformed it into the cozy dish my family requests most. It’s a blend of memory and methodperfect for any night where you want comfort that sticks to your ribs.

FAQs ( Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Cheesy & Creamy) )

Finished baked mac and cheese with crispy topping and creamy center, perfect for family dinners

Conclusion

This baked mac and cheese recipe comes together in under an hour using pantry staples and no fancy techniquesjust golden, cheesy comfort in every bite. Easy to make, impossible to forget.

Go ahead and play: try smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or a sprinkle of cayenne to suit your heat preference. Leftovers reheat wonderfullyjust add that splash of milk and warm gently for silky results, every time.

Did this recipe stir up memories of homemade meals? I’d love to hear your twists or see your golden-baked creations. Share with someone who needs comfortand bookmark it! This one’s a keeper.

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE hero close up golden crust melted cheeses comfort

Yesica Andrews

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Magic Comfort at Heart

This baked mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a thick mac and cheese recipe with a creamy, cheesy homemade sauce that’s irresistible. Perfect as an easy mac and cheese recipe with cream cheese style richness, it combines gooey melted cheese with a crunchy, golden topping. Whether you’re seeking a cheese homemade mac and cheese or a satisfying mac and cheese homemade recipe, this dish promises warmth and flavor in every bite.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

12 oz elbow macaroni
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, you can add 4 oz of cream cheese to the sauce before combining with the pasta. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.