Baked Macaroni and Cheese (Creamiest Ever Recipe)

This baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and bubbling with three kinds of melted cheese. It’s the perfect cozy dinner side dish or indulgent weeknight main. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal, potluck, or holiday table, this ultra-creamy version is guaranteed to impress.

The tender elbow macaroni is smothered in a velvety homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Every bite is melty, savory, and soul-warming—exactly what classic comfort food recipes should be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra creamy and cheesy – Made with three cheeses plus cream cheese for unbeatable texture.
Crowd favorite – Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and picky eaters alike.
Comfort food classic – Rich, cozy, and nostalgic.
Customizable – Easily switch up the cheeses or make it spicy.
Prep-ahead friendly – Make it in advance and bake when ready.
Freezer-friendly – Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredient Breakdown

Elbow Macaroni: The ideal pasta shape for holding onto creamy cheese sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the roux that thickens the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a smooth, velvety béchamel.
Whole Milk + Heavy Cream: A rich combo that makes the sauce extra luscious.
Cream Cheese: Adds silky smoothness and extra body to the sauce.
Garlic, Onion Powder & Paprika: Add depth and flavor to the cheesy base.
Cheddar, Gruyère, Mozzarella: Each cheese brings a unique melt and flavor—sharp, nutty, and stretchy.
Parsley & Extra Paprika: Optional garnishes that add color and flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7×11-inch or similar-sized baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente (1–2 minutes under package time). Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk in milk and heavy cream gradually, stirring constantly. Add cream cheese and cook until smooth.

Simmer gently until the sauce thickens. Turn off heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella (1 cup each), one handful at a time, until fully melted.

4. Mix Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the cheesy macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the reserved topping cheeses (½ cup each). Repeat with the remaining macaroni and top with the rest of the cheese.

6. Bake

Sprinkle the top with parsley and a light dusting of paprika (optional). Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

For a crispy golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch closely!

7. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before scooping and serving.

Pro Tips

Undercook pasta slightly – It will continue cooking while baking.
Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Stir cheese in slowly – This keeps the sauce silky and prevents clumping.
Broil carefully – The cheese topping can go from golden to burned fast.
Rest before serving – This helps the sauce thicken and cling to the pasta.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Swap cheeses – Use Monterey Jack, Fontina, or Colby for a twist.
Make it spicy – Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
Add protein – Stir in cooked, ham, or shredded chicken.
Gluten-free option – Use GF pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Breadcrumb topping – Mix panko with butter and sprinkle over the top for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies.
Pair with BBQ meats like ribs or pulled pork.
Offer as a holiday side alongside turkey or baked ham.
Serve mini portions in ramekins for a party food idea.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if chilled.
To store: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked. Thaw in fridge and bake as directed.
To reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes! Cavatappi, shells, or rotini also work well for holding cheese sauce.

Can I make this without baking?
You can! Just combine the pasta and cheese sauce, then serve immediately—no need to bake.

What’s the best cheese combo for flavor and melt?
Cheddar for sharpness, Gruyère for depth, and mozzarella for meltiness make the ultimate trio.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and extend the bake time slightly.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Assemble, freeze before baking, then thaw overnight and bake as instructed.