There’s something so deeply comforting about a bubbling dish of baked mac and cheese coming out of the oven. The golden crust, the creamy sauce, the soft noodles all of it reminds me of cozy family dinners and lazy Sunday afternoons in my kitchen.
I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, tweaking it until I found what I truly believe is the best homemade mac and cheese recipe. It’s simple, creamy, rich, and unapologetically cheesy. Every bite feels like a warm hug, the kind that makes everyone at the table close their eyes for a moment of pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve been searching for that perfect southern baked macaroni and cheese the one that stays creamy inside but develops that irresistible crispy cheese layer on top this is it. You don’t need anything fancy, just a few good ingredients and a little patience. This version uses a smooth homemade cheese sauce that clings to every piece of macaroni, baking into a dish that’s hearty and nostalgic.
It’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners when you crave something indulgent. I love pairing it with lighter sides like my Rice Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Feta or even a crisp Mediterranean Three Bean Salad. The contrast of fresh and creamy is unbeatable.
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Ingredients
This recipe is all about balance rich, creamy cheese sauce meets tender macaroni with a little crunch on top.
Main Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni (16 ounces): Classic choice, but any short pasta works. Cook just shy of al dente since it’ll bake more in the oven.
- Butter (½ cup): The base of the roux for that luscious sauce.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Helps thicken the cheese sauce.
- Whole milk (3 cups) and heavy cream (1 cup): The combination keeps it creamy without being too heavy.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (4 cups shredded): Gives bold flavor.
- Gruyère or Monterey Jack (2 cups shredded): Melts beautifully and adds depth.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and color.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): For that perfect golden topping.
Optional Add-Ins
- Crispy bacon: For a smoky, salty crunch.
- Caramelized onions: They melt right into the sauce for extra flavor.
- A dash of hot sauce or mustard powder: Both bring brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Extra cheese layer on top: If you love extra gooey bites, go for it.
How to Make It Step By Step
Making creamy baked macaroni and cheese is all about layering textures and building flavor step by step. Here’s how I do it in my kitchen:
- Preheat and prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil the pasta: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water just until al dente about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until it smells nutty and turns light golden.
- Add the milk and cream: Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, around 5 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the cheeses, reserving about 1 cup for topping. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and just thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Combine with pasta: Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is coated.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and breadcrumbs evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Cool slightly: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce sets a bit.
While it bakes, the smell of melted cheese fills my kitchen and makes it almost impossible to wait. When that first spoonful hits the plate, the creamy inside and crispy top create the perfect contrast.
If you’re planning a game-day spread, serve this alongside my Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip for a crowd-pleasing combo. And if you want to add more cheesy goodness, try my Five Ingredient Cheesy Corn Bake.
Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the things I adore about mac and cheese is how versatile it is. You can take this base recipe and make it your own every single time.
- Extra Creamy Version: Stir in an extra half cup of cream and reduce the baking time by 5 minutes for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Loaded Mac and Cheese: Fold in cooked bacon bits, green onions, or even pulled chicken for a hearty meal.
- Vegetarian Twist: Mix in roasted broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach for color and nutrition.
- Crumb Topping Upgrade: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan for an extra crunchy top.
- Southern-Style Bake: Layer slices of sharp cheddar between the pasta before baking for that old-fashioned, extra-cheesy pull.
If you want something lighter for the side, my Creamy Tomato and Feta Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully it balances the richness beautifully.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This baked mac and cheese is more than a side dish it’s comfort in its purest form. I’ve made it for holidays, rainy days, and even midnight cravings, and it never fails to bring smiles. Whether you’re making it for your family or sharing it at a potluck, this dish always disappears first.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in your kitchen. And while you’re here, check out some of my other cozy mac cheese recipes for more ways to enjoy that irresistible cheesy goodness.
Recipe Card
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Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
My Classic Baked Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and perfectly golden on top. Made with sharp cheddar, milk, and cream, it’s the ultimate comfort dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
16 oz elbow macaroni
½ cup butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
- Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour, and cook 2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk and cream; whisk until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, reserving 1 cup. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add a pinch of mustard powder or hot sauce for extra flavor.
For a Southern-style version, layer extra cheese between the pasta before baking.
Make ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish or Side
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
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