Mac and Cheese Recipe (The Creamiest, Dreamiest Ever)

Forget everything you thought you knew about homemade mac and cheese. This is the ultimate mac and cheese recipe, designed to deliver an unbelievably creamy, deeply cheesy, and foolproof result every single time. We’re talking about a velvety smooth cheese sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta, baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This isn’t just a dish; it’s the comfort food you’ve been dreaming of, and it’s surprisingly simple to master.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a weeknight dinner, or just because, this recipe will become your go-to. Prepare to fall in love with mac and cheese all over again.

Why This is The Only Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Ever Need

There are thousands of recipes out there, but this one stands out. We’ve perfected the ratio of ingredients and the technique to eliminate common pitfalls like grainy sauces or dry results. It’s rich, decadent, and consistently delicious.

The secret lies in building a flavorful béchamel sauce and using the right combination of high-quality cheeses. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make in your own kitchen.

The Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Mac and Cheese

Great mac and cheese starts with great ingredients. While the list is simple, the quality of each component makes a huge difference.

The Pasta: Why Shape Matters

While you can use any short pasta, elbow macaroni is the classic choice for a reason. Its tubular shape and ridges are perfect for capturing every bit of the creamy cheese sauce. Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

The Cheese: The Secret to a Silky, Flavorful Sauce

This is where the magic happens. For the best flavor and melt, always buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. We use a blend of sharp cheddar for that classic, tangy flavor and Gruyère for its superior melting quality and nutty notes.

The Roux and Liquids: Your Foundation for Creaminess

A simple roux of butter and flour is the essential thickener for our sauce. We use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream to create a rich, luscious base that ensures the final dish is anything but dry.

How to Make The Best Mac and Cheese Recipe

Follow these simple steps for baked perfection. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
3. Create the Béchamel: Gradually whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Melt the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère, a handful at a time, until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
5. Combine and Bake: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect, Creamy Mac and Cheese

For a truly flawless mac and cheese recipe, keep these tips in mind.

• Shred Your Own Cheese: This is the most important tip! It guarantees the smoothest possible sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will cook more in the oven. Cooking it al dente prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Use Room Temperature Dairy: Bringing your milk and cream to room temperature helps them incorporate more smoothly into the roux, reducing the chance of lumps.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this classic recipe is amazing on its own, it’s also a fantastic canvas for customization.

• Add a Crispy Topping: Mix 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking for a crunchy finish.
• Introduce Add-ins: Stir in crispy bacon, caramelized onions, jalapeños, or even pulled pork for a heartier main course. If you need a great side, try this delicious beef and broccoli.
• Switch Up the Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like smoked Gouda, Fontina, or Monterey Jack alongside the cheddar.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This mac and cheese is just as delicious the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk to a portion and warm it in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently to restore its creaminess. For another comforting casserole idea, check out our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Or if you’re in the mood for something different, this Marry Me Tortellini is a guaranteed winner.

What to Serve With Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese can be a main course or a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like pulled pork, BBQ ribs, or a simple green salad. For a complete and satisfying meal, serve it alongside our Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

[faq_section]

The Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

FL Recipes

Mac and Cheese Recipe (The Creamiest, Dreamiest Ever)

Discover the ultimate mac and cheese recipe! This guide delivers a foolproof, incredibly creamy, and flavorful baked mac and cheese with a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for family dinners, it's the only recipe you'll ever need.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe WhatsApp

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 685

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk warmed or at room temperature
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
• 2 cups gruyère cheese freshly grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder

Equipment

• 1 Large Pot
• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Box grater

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
3. Gradually pour in the warm milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheeses, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety.
5. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is lightly golden. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 685kcalProtein: 28gFat: 45gFiber: 2g

Notes

For an extra crispy topping, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
Always shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

Keyword baked mac and cheese,creamy mac and cheese,mac and cheese

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Pin Recipe

Share Your Creation!

We know this creamy mac and cheese recipe will become a new favorite in your home. If you make it, we’d love to see! Share a photo and tag us on Pinterest. Your feedback and creations inspire us!