Name: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked; 10 cups water mixed with chicken broth; 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (half for topping); 8 oz Colby jack cheese, shredded (half for topping); 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded; 8 oz American cheese, cubed; 4 oz softened cream cheese, warmed; 1 cup half and half; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1-2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon butter, for buttering the pan

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 15 reviews

If you’ve ever craved that perfect comfort food that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with irresistible cheesy aroma, you’ve got to try this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s not just any mac and cheese—it’s rich, creamy, baked to golden perfection, and absolutely drop-dead delicious. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become your go-to for weeknights and special dinners alike. Stick around and I’ll walk you through how to nail it every single time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Cheese Blend Magic: Combining sharp cheddar, Colby jack, mozzarella, American, and cream cheese creates ultra-creamy, wonderfully melty goodness.
Perfect Pasta Texture: Cooking the macaroni just under al dente ensures it finishes baking perfectly without turning mushy.
Balanced Seasoning: A mix of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and mustard powders adds that subtle kick without overpowering the cheesy comfort.
Custardy Eggs and Cream: Eggs combined with half and half and heavy cream create a luscious sauce that sets beautifully in the oven.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, cheesy baked pasta, comfort food recipes, easy mac and cheese - A white ceramic rectangular baking dish filled with a baked casserole, featuring a thick, bubbly golden-brown cheese crust on top that appears crispy and slightly browned in spots. The casserole has uneven surface texture with melted cheese stretches and small browned patches. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with part of a wooden spoon to the right and two eggs—a brown and a green one—in an egg holder on a wooden board in the top left corner. A woman's hand is not directly visible, but a white cloth is partly under the dish on the bottom right corner photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you glance at these ingredients, you might think it’s a lot, but each one plays a vital role in achieving that dreamy texture and rich flavor we all crave in baked mac and cheese. Plus, I’ll share some tips that I’ve picked up to make selecting and preparing them easier for you.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, cheesy baked pasta, comfort food recipes, easy mac and cheese - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of half and half, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of smoked paprika, a small white ceramic bowl holding a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder, a simple white ceramic bowl of cubed American cheese, a simple white ceramic bowl of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, a simple white ceramic bowl each of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and shredded Colby jack cheese, a nest of uncooked elbow macaroni, and a small white ceramic bowl of butter, all arranged symmetrically and naturally fresh, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: A little butter to grease your baking dish prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness.
Elbow macaroni: This classic shape holds sauce perfectly; make sure to cook it just under al dente to avoid mushiness.
Chicken broth (or water with Better than Bouillon): Boiling the pasta in broth infuses extra flavor right from the start.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The backbone flavor—the sharpness adds character.
Colby jack cheese: Milder and creamy, this balances the sharper cheddar.
Mozzarella cheese: Gives you that stretch and gooey melt we all adore.
American cheese: Adding creaminess and smooth melting power.
Cream cheese: This is the secret to extra silky texture; I warm it slightly to make it blend in effortlessly.
Half and half & heavy cream: Combo keeps it creamy but not too heavy or runny.
Kosher salt & freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning; just be cautious with salt since cheeses are naturally salty.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth without overwhelming the cheese.
Garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder: These spices layer the flavor beautifully, making the mac and cheese taste homemade and comforting.
Eggs: They act like a custard, binding everything together for a nice set without drying out.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making recipes my own, and this creamy baked mac and cheese is no exception. Feel free to get creative and adjust it to what you love most—trust me, you’ll find your perfect spin once you start experimenting!

Extra Cheese Lover’s Variation: I sometimes add Monterey Jack or a mild white cheddar just for an extra creamy twist – so melty and delicious!
Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or finely chopped jalapeños if you want a little heat. It surprisingly pairs well with all that cheesy comfort.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta; just keep a close eye so it doesn’t overcook.
Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled on top before baking adds a refined herbal note that I also love during holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Butter Up Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and generously buttering your baking dish—an 8×11 or 9×13 works great. Butter isn’t just about preventing sticking; it gives the dish a subtle flavor edge that shines through once baked.

Step 2: Perfectly Cook Your Macaroni

Fill a large pot halfway with chicken broth or water mixed with bouillon and bring it to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook it just under al dente—you want the noodles to have a little bite since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain well, but don’t rinse, because the little bit of starch left helps thicken the sauce in the end.

Step 3: Mix Your Cheese Sauce Like a Pro

While the pasta cooks, grab a large bowl and stir together the half and half, heavy cream, half the shredded sharp cheddar, half the Colby jack, plus all the mozzarella, American, and softened cream cheese. Warming the cream cheese just a bit helps it blend smoothly. Add your smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper—taste as you go. This step is where the magic starts, so make sure your seasoning sings.

Step 4: Combine Macaroni and Eggs

Now, stir in the cooked macaroni along with the eggs, which will help set your creamy sauce as it bakes. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly—this ensures each bite is perfectly cheesy and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Pour the macaroni mixture into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Generously top with the reserved cheddar and Colby jack cheeses. If you love that smoky hint, sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika over the top. This creates a gorgeous golden crust once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Bake for about 35 minutes until the cheese crust is bubbly and nicely golden-brown. Don’t overcook it—over-baking dries it out and turns the pasta mushy, and we definitely don’t want that. After baking, let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly but still stay creamy and dreamy.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Cook Pasta Just Right: I always set a timer and taste early to ensure the noodles have bite—too soft and the bake gets mushy.
Cheese Selection: Using a mix of sharp and creamy cheeses prevents the dish from becoming one-dimensional and keeps meltability perfect.
Don’t Over-Salt: Since cheese adds saltiness, I add salt sparingly and taste the cheese sauce before combining.
Rest Before Serving: Giving it 5 minutes out of the oven lets the sauce thicken a bit and makes serving effortless.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, cheesy baked pasta, comfort food recipes, easy mac and cheese - A white baking dish filled with a creamy, pale yellow macaroni and cheese base shows one visible layer of cooked elbow macaroni mixed with a smooth cheese sauce. On top, a woman's hand sprinkles a generous layer of shredded cheese in shades of white and orange, creating a textured topping over the pasta. The background is a white marbled surface with several eggs in soft brown and greenish hues slightly out of focus. The woman's hand is partially covered by a floral patterned sleeve with shades of pink, green, and brown. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to finish this mac and cheese with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika for that pop of color and subtle smoky aroma. Sometimes, I even add crispy breadcrumbs toasted in butter for a crunchy contrast that everyone raves about.

Side Dishes

This creamy baked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with fresh green salads, roasted vegetables, or even crispy fried chicken if you’re craving a Southern-inspired feast. It also balances nicely alongside tangy coleslaw or simple steamed broccoli for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or gatherings, I like serving this mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with extra shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits—presentation instantly feels elevated, plus everyone gets their own perfect portion. Another fun twist is to bake it inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls for a showstopper centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—this creamy baked mac and cheese will keep well for up to 4 days. It’s great for quick lunches or side dishes throughout the week.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead even further, I’ll freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to thaw completely in the fridge before reheating to keep the creamy texture intact. Freezing can slightly change the texture, but it’s still delicious and convenient.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest in the oven: cover with foil and bake at 325ºF for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and creamy. I sometimes add a splash of milk before reheating to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. The microwave works, too, but watch to avoid drying out by reheating in short bursts.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and wonderfully holds the sauce, you can use shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just adjust cooking times and make sure whichever shape you choose cooks just under al dente so it finishes perfectly baked.
What if I don’t have half and half?

No worries! You can substitute half and half with evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk) or a combination of milk and heavy cream. This might slightly alter the richness but still yields a creamy result.
How do I prevent my mac and cheese from drying out in the oven?

Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the bake time and pull it out once the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Resting it a few minutes after baking also helps the sauce settle and prevents dryness.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

While this recipe relies heavily on dairy for creaminess and flavor, you could experiment with vegan cheeses, plant-based half and half or cream, and egg substitutes. Just be aware the texture and flavor will be quite different—and might require some trial and error.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it brings back cozy nights at home and simple family dinners filled with laughter and full plates. It’s comforting, reliable, and so indulgent—all qualities that make it feel like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own; I have no doubt it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it did in mine.