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

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 15 reviews

If you’re like me and crave that perfect blend of rich, cheesy comfort food with a bit of a Southern twist, you’re going to love this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—ooey, gooey, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because, this recipe promises creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta baked to golden perfection, and a crispy cheesy crust that’s simply unbeatable. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe arsenal forever.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Cheese Blend: Combining sharp cheddar, Colby jack, mozzarella, and American cheese creates layers of flavor and that dreamy, creamy texture.
Pasta Cooked Just Right: Parboiling the macaroni ensures it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
Rich, Velvety Sauce: The addition of cream cheese, half and half, and heavy cream amps up the creaminess like nothing else.
Subtle Seasoning: Smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and mustard powder make all the difference, giving a lightly smoky depth without overpowering the cheese.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, cheesy baked mac and cheese, Southern baked mac and cheese, comfort food recipes, easy baked 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

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe uses a thoughtful mix of cheeses and dairy to balance richness with that signature baked crust. Each ingredient plays a role in the texture and flavor, and picking quality components can really elevate your result.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, cheesy baked mac and cheese, Southern baked mac and cheese, comfort food recipes, easy baked 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

Elbow macaroni: Classic choice that holds sauce well and bakes up nicely without getting soggy.
Chicken broth: Used for boiling pasta to infuse subtle flavor — Better than Bouillon is my go-to for depth.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Offers the tang and punch that makes mac and cheese sing.
Colby jack cheese: Milder and creamy, it softens the sharpness and melts beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese: For stretch and gooey texture, this one is key.
American cheese: Adds creaminess and melts into a smooth sauce without clumping.
Cream cheese: My secret weapon for ultra-rich sauce with a luxurious mouthfeel.
Half and half & heavy cream: Both add silky texture and richness beyond milk.
Seasonings (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder): Provide subtle smoky and savory notes that enhance the cheese without overpowering.
Eggs: Help bind everything together for that classic custardy, baked mac texture.

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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.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is how adaptable it is. From swapping cheeses to adding mix-ins like bacon or jalapeños, you can put your own spin on it easily. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Vegetarian Variation: Leave out the chicken broth and use vegetable broth or water with salt instead; the rich cheese combo still gives plenty of flavor!
Extra Crispy Crust: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a pinch of Parmesan on top before baking for that irresistible crunch. I swear it’s worth the extra step.
Mix-ins: Add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or diced jalapeños for a little something special and an extra flavor punch.
Dairy Substitutions: If you don’t have half and half, evaporated milk works in a pinch—just don’t skip the cream cheese to keep creaminess.

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

Step 1: Prep and Cook Macaroni Just Under Al Dente

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and buttering a baking dish—either 8-by-11 or a 9-by-13 works well. I always use butter because it adds a subtle richness that pairs beautifully with baked cheese. Then bring your chicken broth (or salted water if you’re going that route) to a rolling boil and add the elbow macaroni. It’s crucial not to overcook here—aim for just under al dente since the noodles will finish cooking in the oven, soaking up that delicious cheese sauce. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy, so watch the timer and maybe taste-test a piece early.

Step 2: Mix the Dreamy Cheese Sauce

While your pasta bubbles away, grab a large bowl and combine the half and half, heavy cream, cream cheese (warmed slightly to soften), and all the shredded/meltable cheeses—except for half of your cheddar and Colby jack (save those for topping!). Stir this mixture with a wooden spoon until creamy and well blended. Then give it a good seasoning boost with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce—remember, cheese is salty, so go easy on salt. Once the flavor’s just right, stir in the cooked macaroni and the eggs, mixing well to coat every single piece.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the mac and cheese mixture evenly into your buttered baking dish. Now sprinkle that reserved cheddar and Colby jack all over the top—you want a generous layer for a killer golden crust. If you like, add a pinch more smoked paprika for color and a hint of smokiness. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes—until you see bubbly cheese and a browned, crusty top. Keep an eye so it doesn’t over-bake, which can dry it out. Once it’s out, let it sit for around 5 minutes. I find this rest time helps it set just enough while keeping the cheese luscious and melty.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds unmatched creaminess and helps prevent sauce separation when baking.
Taste Your Sauces Before Adding Pasta: Season mindfully, because the cheese will bring saltiness—and a little extra seasoning post-baking is always an option.
Use a Wooden Spoon for Mixing: It helps combine the cheese sauce smoothly without breaking down the pasta.
Avoid Over-Baking: I’ve learned the hard way that too long in the oven makes the pasta mushy and the cheese dry.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, cheesy baked mac and cheese, Southern baked mac and cheese, comfort food recipes, easy baked 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

When it comes to garnishing, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of truffle oil steps up the flavor and makes it party-worthy. And don’t underestimate the power of a few crispy fried onions or smoky paprika dusted on top—they add texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

I usually pair this creamy baked mac and cheese with something green to balance all the richness—think a crisp Caesar salad or steamed broccoli with lemon zest. Sometimes, roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts work wonders, especially if you’re serving it alongside your favorite protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or get-togethers, I like to bake the mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. It makes serving elegant yet cozy, plus everyone gets their own perfectly crispy top crust. Another fun idea I’ve tried is layering mac and cheese with cooked greens or crumbled sausage for a “mac and cheese lasagna” twist—big hit with my family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes feels like a miracle), store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to keep mine in the original baking dish, tightly covered with foil or plastic wrap. This method keeps the mac and cheese from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this creamy baked mac and cheese a couple of times, and it holds up well if you freeze it before baking or after cooling. To freeze before baking, cover it tightly and try to bake it straight from the freezer—just add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time. For baked leftovers, portion into freezer-safe containers and reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest in the oven at 325ºF, covered with foil to keep the moisture in. About 15-20 minutes usually does the trick. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just warm smaller portions with a splash of milk stirred in part-way through to preserve creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe?

Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is traditional because it holds sauce well, but you can also use shells, cavatappi, penne, or even rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust cooking time and check that the pasta is still just under al dente before baking to avoid mushiness.
What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have the exact types listed?

Feel free to swap cheeses depending on your taste and what’s on hand. Mild cheddar, Monterrey jack, or whole milk mozzarella work great. Avoid very hard, aged cheeses like 1,000-day gouda that don’t melt smoothly. Softer cheeses like burrata, brie, or goat cheese can also replace cream cheese if you want to experiment.
Can I prepare and bake this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Then pop it in the oven when you’re ready—just add a few extra minutes to make sure it’s heated through and bubbly.
How do I keep the mac and cheese creamy and prevent it from drying out?

The combination of cream cheese, half and half, and heavy cream helps keep things smooth and luscious. Also, make sure not to over-bake it. Resting the dish for a few minutes after baking locks in moisture. If reheating, adding a splash of milk helps revive creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the dish I turn to when I want that cozy, nostalgic feeling with zero fuss. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and reliably delicious. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do and that it brings comfort and joy to your table. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to comfort food!