This Creamy Baked Mac N Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family holidays, potlucks, and any gatherings. This mac and cheese is tried-and-true, and it's the first dish everyone dives into; it's always a crowd-pleaser.
With its smooth cheese sauce, perfectly tender pasta, and golden, crispy topping, this mac and cheese will quickly become your go-to recipe for feeding a hungry group. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a weekend get-together, this dish is a surefire way to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!
I first discovered a version of this recipe from Tineke Younger, a fellow contestant on Next Level Chef. We all adore Tineke and her incredible recipes, so I couldn't wait to share my version of this deliciously creamy and comforting Mac n' Cheese with you. Trust me, this one's a winner!
If you like this recipe, you should check out my Spicy Mac and Cheese or Cheese Lasagna.
Jump to:
Why you will love this recipe
- Cost- Effective - This recipe uses pantry staples like pasta, cheese, milk, and flour.
- Kid-Friendly - Appeals to picky eaters and makes dinner time much easier.
- Comforting and Satisfying - Provides a warm, homemade meal that feels indulgent.
- Customizable - You can add in a protein, vegetables, or fresh herbs.
Reader Review: "This was delicious and the perfect cheesy goodness. I loved it. - Susan
Why corkscrew noodles?
If Mac N' Cheese is all about the cheese, why not make sure we capture as much of it as possible? Some noodles are designed with ridges and curves specifically to hold onto that creamy goodness. The corkscrew noodle is the ultimate choice-offering the perfect blend of sauce-holding power and texture. Get ready for the ultimate cheesy pull with these magical, twisty noodles!
Ingredients
These simple ingredients scream COMFORT FOOD! Let's see what we need.
- Corkscrew Noodles - I love using a pasta with ridges to catch all the cheese.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese - This cheese is a must, in my opinion.
- Mozzarella Cheese - This makes the perfect melt.
- Colby Cheese - Add a great flavor to the dish.
- Salt and White Pepper - To enhance all the flavors.
- Paprika - Adds a subtle smoky warmth.
- Garlic - Brings the savory depth to the sauce.
- Onion Powder - Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor.
- Butter - I use salted butter in this recipe. Pasta needs some extra salt.
- Flour - To help thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
- Heavy Whipping Cream - This adds to the creaminess, and I recommend using it.
- Dijon Mustard - This adds a slight tang and balances the creaminess.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac N Cheese
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325℉. Bring water to a boil in a large stock pot and then add the noodles.
- Step 2: Shred cheeses and then mix them. Separate the amount of mixed cheese in half and place it in two different bowls. Mix seasonings in a separate bowl.
- Step 3: In a large pan on medium-low heat, melt butter. Add in ½ of your seasoning mixture.
- Step 4: Then, add in flour and heavy whipping cream, stirring with a whisk until there are no clumps. Roux should be thick. Add in the rest of the seasonings, heavy cream, and mustard, and stir well. (Note: check on noodles and drain if ready)
- Step 5: Using one bowl of cheese, mix a small amount of cheese into the roux. Stir in cheese until it's completely melted and smooth. Then, add in another small amount of cheese, repeating until the bowl is empty.
- Step 6: Mix in cooked noodles to completely coat with melted cheese.
- Step 7: In a 9 x 13 baking dish, place ½ of the cheesy noodles on the bottom and top with ½ of the unmelted cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining cheesy noodles and cheese.
- Step 8: Bake uncovered at 325℉ for 25-30 minutes. Set to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top. Enjoy!
Substitutions and variations
- Noodles - If you're unable to use corkscrew noodles, I suggest sticking to a tubular noodle or something with lots of ridges. Cavatappi or rotini noodles are great alternatives.
- Mac N Cheese Bar - Make Mac N Cheese the main course by adding in chicken, pulled pork, steamed broccoli, spinach, meatballs, and more! It doesn't just have to be a side any longer!
- Toppings - If you're looking to "jazz" things up, top the Mac n cheese with bread crumbs for a crisp finish, bacon, and/or chives. A colorful topping will make a dish more appetizing.
- Spice it Up - Add in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give it some heat.
- Cheese Selection - I suggest starting with sharp cheddar for flavor, but add in other cheeses for the best, melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture.
Tim's Expert Tips
- Shred Your Own Cheese: I know this might be a little more work, and that the bags are convenient, but block cheese melts so much more nicely into the sauce than the bags of shredded cheese sold in stores. The bags usually contain anti-caking ingredients that don't always mix well.
- Use a combo of cheese: This will give a really flavorful. You can be creative with what you add.
- Slightly undercook your pasta: Undercooking your pasta by a minute or two prevents it from getting too soft and mushy. The macaroni will finish cooking in the cheese sauce.
What to serve with Mac and Cheese
- Oven Baked Country Style Pork Ribs
- Smoked Meatloaf
- Pulled Ham
- Chicken Legs
- Country Style Green Beans
Equipment
- 9 x 13 Baking Dish - These ceramic Staub baking dishes are all I use anymore. They cook perfectly and clean easily. Win-win!
- Large Stock Pot - When it comes to pots and pans, I always grab my Hexclads. Although a bit costly, they are worth every penny. But any large stock pot will work for this recipe, of course.
- Box Grater - Remember, the best mac-n-cheese starts with freshly shredded cheese.
Storage
Best eaten fresh while crispy, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Place in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or in an air fryer for reheating.
Faq
I prefer a corkscrew noodle, but you can feel free to use whatever type of noodle you have on hand.
Yes! You can make this recipe up to two days before and save the baking part before serving.
Top with breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter or extra Parmesan.
Recipe
Creamy Baked Mac N Cheese
Equipment
- Oven
- 9 x 13 Baking Dish
Ingredients
Noodles and Cheeses
- 1 lb Pasta Corkscrew
- 1 lb Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- 1 lb Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
- 1 lb Colby Cheese Shredded
For Making Roux
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon White Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1½ teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 3 tablespoon Butter
- 3 tablespoon Flour
- 3 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard or ground mustard
Instructions
Prep Work
- Preheat oven to 325℉. Bring water to a boil in a large stock pot and then add in noodles.
- Shred cheeses and then mix them together. Separate the amount of mixed cheese in half and place in two different bowls.
- Mix together the seasonings: salt, white pepper, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder.
Make Roux
- In a large pan on medium low heat, melt butter. Add in ½ of your seasoning mixture.
- Then, add in flour and heavy whipping cream stirring with a whisk until there are no clumps. Roux should be thick. Add in the rest of the seasonings, heavy cream and mustard and stir well. (note: check on noodles and drain if ready)
Melt Cheese and Assemble
- Using one bowl of cheese, mix in a small amount of cheese at an into the roux. Stir in cheese until it's completely melted and smooth. Then, add in another small amount of cheese, repeating until the bowl is empty.
- Mix in cooked noodles to completely coat with melted cheese.
- In a 9 x 13 baking dish, place ½ of the cheesy noodles on the bottom and top with ½ of the unmelted cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining cheesy noodles and cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 325℉ for 25-30 minutes. Set to broil and cook for 2-3 additional minutes for a crispy top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Shred Your Own Cheese: I know this might be a little more work, and that the bags are convenient, but block cheese melts so much more nicely into the sauce than the bags of shredded cheese sold in stores. The bags usually contain anti-caking ingredients that don't always mix well.
- Use a combo of cheese: This will give a really flavorful. You can be creative with what you add.
- Slightly undercook your pasta: Undercooking your pasta by a minute or two prevents it from getting too soft and mushy. The macaroni will finish cooking in the cheese sauce.
Jesse Adams says
Recipe is WAY too salty!!! Had to through it out. What a waste of money!!!! Is that a typo on the salt amount????
CookitwithTim says
Jesse, I am very sorry and I sincerely apologize. Typo on the salt but its fixed. Accept our sincere apologies for getting it typed out incorrect.
Shannon Bowden says
We made this for Thanksgiving and it was delicious! Some other recipes we've tried were overbearing with too much cheese, but this recipe was a perfect amount of cheesy goodness and creaminess! This recipe is a keeper!
Jpdeuel says
Made this as a last minute side for Easter supper and WOW! It's so rich and cheesy and flavorful. 10 out of 10!
P.s. the cheese pull! It reminded me of the cheese pull from the pizza I had in Chicago 😉
CookitwithTim says
OMG. So glad you tried the recipe and loved it. Happy Cooking JP.