The Ultimate Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Utterly Irresistible

There are few dishes that evoke such universal comfort and joy as a perfectly crafted mac and cheese. But not just any mac and cheese – we’re talking about the ultimate homemade baked mac and cheese, a culinary masterpiece that combines a luxurious blend of cheeses with tender pasta, all baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a rich, satisfying experience that promises to be the star of any meal, whether it’s a festive holiday spread or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Unveiling the Secret to Irresistibly Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

What makes this baked macaroni and cheese truly exceptional? It all starts with a masterful blend of three distinct cheeses: sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, and creamy Monterey Jack. This harmonious trio creates a depth of flavor and an unparalleled creaminess that coats every piece of pasta. Once combined with a velvety, homemade cheese sauce and baked until golden brown with a delightful crispy top, it transforms into an absolute crowd-pleaser that will disappear faster than you can say “extra cheese!”

A Mac and Cheese Extravaganza: Beyond the Basics

In our home, macaroni and cheese isn’t just a dish; it’s a cherished culinary tradition, practically its own food group! We’ve explored countless variations, each bringing a unique twist to this beloved classic. From the quick and easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese, perfect for busy weeknights, to the wonderfully rich Muenster Mac and Cheese, offering a distinct creamy texture, and even the adventurous Mexi Mac and Cheese casserole for a spicy kick. We’ve even transformed this comfort food into delightful, portable Mac and Cheese Muffins! While those variations offer exciting diversions, this baked macaroni and cheese recipe remains a timeless classic, versatile and profoundly comforting. Its secret lies in the harmonious blend of three distinct cheeses and a meticulously prepared, flavorful roux that ensures a perfectly saucy and scrumptious outcome every single time.

Gather Your Ingredients and Essential Supplies

Crafting the perfect baked mac and cheese starts with selecting the right ingredients and having the necessary tools at hand. While the full recipe card at the bottom of this post provides precise measurements and detailed instructions, here’s an overview of what you’ll need to create this culinary delight.

Key Ingredients:

• Pasta: We highly recommend cavatappi for its corkscrew shape, which perfectly captures the rich cheese sauce. However, elbow macaroni, shells, or penne also work wonderfully.
• Butter: The foundation of our roux, providing a rich, creamy base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the roux, thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder adds a subtle yet flavorful depth to the cheese sauce without overpowering the cheese.
• Kosher Salt & Ground Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
• Whole Milk: The key to a truly creamy and luxurious cheese sauce. Using whole milk ensures a richer body and prevents the sauce from becoming too thin.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For that classic, sharp, and tangy mac and cheese flavor. Freshly shredded from a block is always best for superior melting and flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds incredible stretch and melty goodness, contributing to the overall creaminess. Again, fresh is best!
• Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, buttery cheese that melts beautifully and adds a lovely creaminess, balancing the sharper cheddar. Freshly shredded makes a significant difference.

Essential Supplies:

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience.

• Large Pot: For cooking your pasta and preparing the cheese sauce.
• Small Bowl: For whisking together your dry seasonings.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for baking this generous, family-sized portion of mac and cheese.
• Whisk: Crucial for making a smooth, lump-free roux and cheese sauce.
• Large Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and combining the pasta with the sauce.

How to Create the Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to achieve a rich, creamy, and satisfying baked macaroni and cheese that will impress everyone at your table.

• Step 1: Prepare the Pasta. In your large pot, cook the pasta according to package directions until it reaches an al dente stage. This means it should be slightly firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
• Step 2: Preheat Your Oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated when your mac and cheese is ready for baking.
• Step 3: Season Your Flour. In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended. This ensures even seasoning throughout your sauce.
• Step 4: Combine the Cheeses. In a separate large bowl, gently stir together the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses. This pre-mixing helps distribute the cheeses evenly in the sauce.
• Step 5: Reserve Cheese for Topping. Set aside 1½ cups of your combined shredded cheese mixture. This will be generously sprinkled over the top of your mac and cheese just before baking, creating that irresistible golden, bubbly crust.

• Step 6: Create the Roux. Using the same pot where you cooked the pasta (to save on dishes!), melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the flour mixture (from Step 3), adding a little at a time. Continue to whisk continuously for about one minute until the mixture thickens and begins to turn a light golden brown. This is your roux, the base of your creamy sauce.
• Step 7: Whisk in the Milk. Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Continue to whisk gently until the mixture begins to thicken, which usually takes about 3 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, pourable, slightly thickened sauce.

• Step 8: Melt the Cheese. Reduce the heat to low. Add 3 cups of the combined shredded cheeses (from Step 4, after reserving the topping portion) to the sauce. Stir gently until all the cheese has completely melted and is fully incorporated, creating a rich and velvety cheese sauce. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
• Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce. Add the cooked and drained pasta into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly until every piece of pasta is beautifully coated in the creamy, cheesy goodness.

• Step 10: Transfer to Baking Dish. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully transfer the coated pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• Step 11: Top and Bake. Sprinkle the reserved 1½ cups of shredded cheese mixture evenly over the top of the pasta. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbling, golden brown, and delightfully crisp in spots.

Expert Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese Every Time

Achieving mac and cheese perfection is easy with a few insider tips:

• Freshly Shredded Cheese is Key: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty and prevent smooth melting. Take the extra five minutes to shred your own cheese from a block – it makes a world of difference in texture and flavor.
• Al Dente Pasta is a Must: Remember, your pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Cooking it al dente initially prevents it from becoming mushy and ensures it holds its shape and texture in the finished dish.
• Room Temperature Milk: Using milk that’s not straight from the fridge helps it incorporate more smoothly into the roux and prevents the sauce from cooling down too rapidly, ensuring a lump-free base.
• Low and Slow for Cheese Melting: When adding cheese to your sauce, keep the heat on low. High heat can cause the proteins in the cheese to seize, leading to a grainy or oily sauce. Gentle heat ensures a velvety smooth melt.
• Customize Your Topping: While a simple cheese topping is fantastic, consider adding panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for an extra crunchy crust. A sprinkle of paprika can also add a beautiful color.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Taste your cheese sauce before adding the pasta. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. A pinch of nutmeg can also subtly enhance the cheese flavor.

Storage, Make-Ahead Options, and Reheating Instructions

This baked mac and cheese is so delicious, you might not have leftovers! But just in case, here’s how to store and reheat it, or even prepare it in advance:

• Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to five days. To reheat, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish and warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. You can add a splash of milk to help restore its creaminess if it seems dry.
• Making Ahead: This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. Assemble the mac and cheese up to the point of adding the shredded cheese on top. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to warm through, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until it’s bubbly, golden, and browned in spots on top.
• Serving Without Baking (If Short on Time): While we absolutely adore the slightly crispy texture and enhanced flavor that baking provides, if you’re truly short on time, you can serve the mac and cheese straight from the saucepan after all the cheese has melted and the pasta is coated. It will still be wonderfully creamy and satisfying, just without that coveted golden crust.
• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: You can also freeze baked mac and cheese for longer storage. Allow the cooked dish to cool completely. Cover tightly with two layers of plastic wrap and one layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, remove the foil and plastic, cover with new foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Discover More Timeless Favorites in Our Classic Recipes Collection

If you cherish time-honored dishes that consistently deliver delicious results, then our Classic Recipes Collection is your go-to resource. This curated selection features tried-and-true versions of popular dishes and treats that are simply irresistible. These no-frills favorites are guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your kitchen, just like this baked mac and cheese.

We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations! If you make this ultimate baked mac and cheese recipe, please be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. I can’t wait to see your delicious results! If you’re on Facebook, consider joining our Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a fantastic community where we connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes you’ve made from my collection. It truly inspires me to see how creative and enthusiastic you all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

xoxo,

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Baked Mac and Cheese

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• Author: The BakerMama
• 
  
  Prep Time: 15 minutes
• 
  
  Cook Time: 25 minutes
• 
  
  Total Time: 40 minutes
• 
  
  Yield: 6-8 servings

Print Recipe

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Description

This ultimate baked mac and cheese combines sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, and creamy Monterey Jack cheeses for a wonderfully rich, satisfying, and utterly irresistible side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (such as cavatappi, elbow macaroni, or shells)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 and 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 and 1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 and 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 and 1/2 cups freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
4. In a large bowl, stir together the three shredded cheeses.
5. Reserve 1½ cups of the combined shredded cheeses to use as a topping for the dish before baking.
6. In the same pot you boiled the pasta in, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the seasoned flour mixture gradually, a little at a time, continuously whisking until the mixture becomes thick and starts to turn a light golden brown, approximately one minute. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3 minutes, forming a smooth sauce.
7. Reduce the heat to low. Add 3 cups of the combined shredded cheeses to the sauce, stirring continuously until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
9. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
10. Sprinkle the reserved 1½ cups of combined shredded cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta.
11. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, golden brown, and slightly crispy in spots.

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