BAKE WITH ZOHA

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Shop
  • Contact
×
Home » Comfort Food

Best Baked Mac And Cheese

Published: Nov 21, 2023 · Modified: Jan 12, 2025 by Zoha · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

↓ Jump to Recipe

There are few comfort foods better than Mac And Cheese, and this Baked Mac And Cheese is the best I have ever had. One gripe I always have with Mac And Cheese is that it tends to be too "samesy", cheesy and boring without having depth of flavor and texture. So I developed this recipe to fix all of that. This Mac And Cheese is easy to make, flavorful and balanced without being overpowering. The baked layer of cheese on top adds a much needed crunch. And the result is *perfection*!

baked mac and cheese in a white casserole dish, mac and cheese is covered by a layer of golden melted cheese. A wooden spoon is scooping out some mac and cheese showing the creamy cheesy texture inside
baked mac and cheese in a white casserole dish, mac and cheese is covered by a layer of golden melted cheese. A wooden spoon is scooping out some mac and cheese showing the creamy cheesy texture inside. picture from an angle

Read the full blog post below for detailed notes, tips, tricks, photos and videos.

Jump to:
  • INGREDIENTS NEEDED
  • HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
  • RELATED RECIPES
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe (exact recipes are provided at the bottom of this post):

  • Elbow macaroni - you can also use other types of pasta like cellentani or rigatoni
  • Unsalted butter - this does not have to be at room temperature
  • All purpose flour
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream - you can replace this with more milk if needed
  • Cream cheese - ideally at room temperature
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder or fresh minced / chopped garlic
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Shredded cheddar, gruyere and mozzarella cheeses - the type of cheese you use will be the main factor impacting the taste of the Mac And Cheese. I highly recommend using freshly grated cheeses. If you can't find gruyere, you can replace it with gouda. This mixture will be divided into two parts, one that is added to the cheese sauce, and one that is layered before baking
  • Freshly chopped parsley

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

Now let's go over the steps to make this Baked Mac And Cheese. It is really simple and fuss free!

1. Boil the macaroni

First, boil the macaroni according to the instructions on the packet, bringing them to al dente. I like to add a generous pinch of salt to the water as well. Drain, wash with cold water, and set aside.

2. Make the cheese sauce

Preheat your oven to 350F before getting started.

Now let's make the cheese sauce! Start by melting butter in a large saucepan / Dutch oven pan on medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the flour.

butter in a dutch oven pan being melted on the stove
butter and flour in a dutch oven pan on the stove with a spoon stirring them

Add the salt and spices, and stir for another minute or so to cook the spices. Now, add the milk and cream. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.

spices added to butter and flour in a dutch oven pan and being mixed together
milk added to cheese sauce mixture in a dutch oven pan

Then add the cream cheese and whisk it in. At this point, you can turn off the heat. Now, just stir in the cheese mixture, adding them a little at a time and mixing until they are melted in.

process of making cheese sauce for mac and cheese, whisk mixing together ingredients in a dutch oven pan
cheese sauce in a saucepan with cheese sprinkled on top

You should have a creamy cheese sauce. It should not be too thick, as it will thicken up more during baking.

Stir in the boiled macaroni. Taste and adjust the spices and salt as needed.

boiled macaroni being added to a dutch oven pan and being stirred into the cheese sauce
mac and cheese mixture in a dutch oven pan with a creamy cheesy texture

3. Assemble

In a casserole dish (I use a 7x11" ceramic dish), add half of the Mac And Cheese mixture and spread it out. Sprinkle over a layer of cheese.

a layer of mac and cheese added to a white casserole dish
a layer of mac and cheese topped with a layer of shredded cheese in a white casserole dish

Then cover with the remaining Mac And Cheese, and top off with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle over chopped parsley, and a little paprika.

mac and cheese layered in a white casserole dish
mac and cheese layered in a white casserole dish topped with shredded cheese, parsley and paprika

4. Bake!

Now it's time to bake! Place the dish in the oven and bake for ~15 minutes. Then switch to broil, and broil until the cheese on top is melted and golden.

5. Serve and enjoy!

That's it. It is now time to enjoy this delicious Baked Mac And Cheese! 🙂

baked mac and cheese in a white casserole dish, picture is close up showing part of it. mac and cheese is covered by a layer of golden melted cheese. A wooden spoon is scooping out some mac and cheese showing the creamy cheesy texture inside
baked mac and cheese in a white casserole dish, mac and cheese is covered by a layer of golden melted cheese. A wooden spoon is scooping out some mac and cheese showing the creamy cheesy texture inside. two small plates next to the casserole pan with mac and cheese added to them

RELATED RECIPES

If you enjoy this recipe, I have many more simple and comforting recipes for you to try next! Check out these:

  • crispy fried mashed potato balls on a cutting board, one ball is broken in half to show soft cheesy middle. balls are golden brown and crispy. small bowl with sauce on the side
    Crispy Fried Mashed Potato Balls
  • overhead picture of cheesy scalloped potatoes in a white oval casserole dish with a wooden spatula pulling out some potatoes with a cheese pull. Close up picture
    Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
  • chicken alfredo lasagna in a dish. lasagna has a beautiful golden cheesy crust and is garnished with chopped parsley
    The Best Easy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
  • 9 garlic knots in a batch touching each other. They are golden in color and brushed with garlic butter and parsley
    Easy Homemade Garlic Knots

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to store Mac And Cheese?

You can store this Baked Mac And Cheese in the fridge in an airtight container, and reheat in an oven (covered with aluminum foil) or microwave before serving.

Can this Mac And Cheese be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this Mac And Cheese all the way till assembly, then cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bake when ready to serve.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
baked mac and cheese in a white casserole dish, picture is close up showing part of it. mac and cheese is covered by a layer of golden melted cheese. A wooden spoon is scooping out some mac and cheese showing the creamy cheesy texture inside

BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.7 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Zoha
  • Total Time: 50 min
  • Yield: 12-14 servings
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

The best Baked Mac And Cheese - simple, creamy, cheesy and flavorful without being overpowering!


Ingredients

  • 10 oz elbow macaroni
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (56g)
  • 3 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (720g)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240g)
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, room temperature (4 oz or 113g)
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup each of shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese and mozzarella cheese for the cheese sauce
  • ½ cup each of shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese and mozzarella cheese for layering
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F (conventional)
  • Boil the macaroni following box instructions to reach al dente. Strain and set aside
  • Shred the cheeses and set aside, keeping the cheeses for the sauce separate from the cheeses for layering
  • Melt the butter in a nonstick pan at medium heat. Add flour and mix until it becomes golden and fragrant. Then add the salt and spices, and stir for one minute
  • Add the milk, cream, and cream cheese. Whisk to combine and cook until the mixture comes to a boil. Turn off the heat
  • Add 1 cup each of the shredded cheeses, a little at a time, and stir until they melt in
  • Add the boiled macaroni and stir in. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
  • Take a casserole / ceramic baking dish; I use a 7x11" dish. Add half of the Mac And Cheese mixture and spread it out. Sprinkle over half of the cheese mixture that was set aside for layering. Cover with the remaining Mac And Cheese, and then sprinkle over all the remaining cheese
  • Garnish with the chopped parsley and lightly dust with paprika
  • Place the dish in the pre-heated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted. Broil for just a few minutes so the cheese on top is golden
  • Serve and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review and tag @bakewithzoha on Instagram!

More Comfort Food

  • 15 mini chicken fajita pizzas on a wooden board. pizzas are topped with cheese and a spicy chicken fajita topping. pictured from an angle
    Mini Chicken Fajita Pizzas
  • shakshuka in a stainless steel pan with sauce, eggs and cilantro garnish
    Easy Shakshuka
  • close up of a slice of chipotle chicken pizza. pizza has a golden crispy crust and is topped with chicken veggies and cheese
    Chipotle Chicken Pizza
  • Close up of sliced chicken alfredo flatbread on a wooden cutting board, with a slice being pulled apart with a cheese pull
    Easy Chicken Alfredo Flatbread

Comments

    Leave a rating and a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. KC says

    November 22, 2023 at 7:27 pm

    Born and raised in the South and this just looks like soup. Bless your heart. ??

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      November 22, 2023 at 10:10 pm

      Hi KC. The beauty of food is everyone can make it their own. I didn't call this a Southern Mac And Cheese. And my preference for Mac And Cheese is for it to be more saucy. Thanks.

      Reply
      • DD says

        November 23, 2023 at 5:24 am

        The serving size seems off. A little more than half of a box for 12-14 people in a 7x11 dish seems very small. Looks good though!

        Reply
  2. laura says

    November 24, 2023 at 7:12 am

    There is no way the other reviewer actually tried this recipe. It’s so yummy! And I’m a Mac and cheese fanatic. Thanks for the delicious recipe!

    Reply
  3. Sylvia says

    November 27, 2023 at 11:16 pm

    Hi.. this looks like it's really delicious. I haven't tried it yet but I will try it next week when I get home. I love mac' n cheese that's a bit saucy & not stiff as a board (with egg) Thanks a bunch for this recipe.

    Reply
    • Dorina Breznyan says

      August 27, 2024 at 4:32 pm

      Hi Zoha,

      I wish you would tweak the measurements a bit. One cup of heavy cream didn’t come out to that many grams. I’m not sure which ones accurate. I’d love if you could update it with the proper measurements since I’m pretty sure the grams are more than their actual values so I added way too much milk. I’m glad I double checked with the cream.

      Reply
      • Zoha says

        September 03, 2024 at 11:21 pm

        Hi Dorina! I double checked and the grams are correct. One cup of heavy cream is 240g. If in doubt, it's best to use grams. As the recipe states, this is a saucy mac and cheese, so if you prefer it to be less saucy, reduce the quantity of the milk or cook down the sauce more!

        Reply
  4. Kay says

    November 29, 2023 at 11:12 am

    Been wanting to make mac n cheese for a while and came across your recipe. Its the perfect saucy recipe mmm. It turned out yummy even my toddler said mmmm as she ate.

    Reply
  5. Sarjna says

    November 30, 2023 at 11:03 am

    This is a delicious mac n cheese! It's full of flavour, nice and saucy and a hit with my family, especially my kids. I just added a little more salt (that's my personal preference).

    A lovely winter warmer recipe, thank you Zoha.

    I love your recipes, they're not complicated and easy to follow 🙂

    Reply
  6. Wafa says

    January 13, 2025 at 12:31 pm

    This turned out delicious! Balanced flavor and I love that it didn’t feel dry.

    Reply
  7. Roo says

    May 06, 2025 at 2:11 pm

    Had to make this for a school culinary project at home, this was super watery and would absolutely recommend adjusting measurements, I’m a fan of saucy Mac and cheese but this is extreme.

    Reply
    • Zoha says

      May 07, 2025 at 5:25 pm

      Thanks for the feedback, Roo!

      Reply
girl (zoha) sitting with arm propped on counter, smiling at camera, muffins and brownies in front of her

Hi, I'm Zoha! Self taught home-baker, massive sweet tooth, lover of all things baked and content creator behind Bake With Zoha.

More about me →

Latest

  • chocolate lava cake in a small plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A bite has been removed to show the molten lava chocolate center. A spoon is resting with the cake on the side of the plate
    Perfect Chocolate Lava Cakes

  • 2 slices of pound cake being pulled out from it and pictured from the side. texture is soft and crust is golden and crispy
    Classic Pound Cake Made Better

  • close up of a slice of banana bread. the bread looks soft and moist with lots of chocolate chips
    The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

  • slice of baklava bread pudding on a small plate with a scoop of ice cream on top
    Baklava Bread Pudding

Popular

  • slice of cheesecake placed sideways on a small plate with a very creamy texture
    The BEST Cheesecake Recipe (New York style)

  • chicken alfredo lasagna in a dish. lasagna has a beautiful golden cheesy crust and is garnished with chopped parsley
    The Best Easy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

  • Moist chocolate cake with a shiny chocolate ganache, spatula taking out one slice from the cake
    Easy Chocolate Cake From Scratch (Under 1 Hour!)

  • biscoff tiramisu dessert from the top in a dessert cup with pretty piping of biscoff cream, crushed biscoff cookies, and drizzled cookie butter. a spoon is taking out a bite revealing layers of cream and cookies inside
    Easy Biscoff Tiramisu

Footer

↑ back to top

Connect

About me

Subscribe to my newsletter

Contact me

Policies

Privacy policy

Terms and conditions

Copyright @ Bake With Zoha LLC. All rights reserved.