Name: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter, for buttering the pan; 16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked; 10 cups water mixed with chicken broth; 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided; 8 oz colby jack cheese, shredded, divided; 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded; 8 oz American cheese, cubed; 4 oz softened cream cheese, warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds; 1 cup half and half; 1 cup heavy cream; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for topping; 1-2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 2 large eggs

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 18 reviews

If you’ve ever craved that perfect comfort food that hugs you from the inside, then this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need to try. I promise, it’s fan-freaking-tastic—rich, gooey, with just the right crust on top, and easy enough to make any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this mac and cheese hits all the right notes, and I can’t wait to take you through it.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese, half and half, and heavy cream creates an ultra-smooth, luscious sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Cheese Variety: Using sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, and American cheese balances sharpness, creaminess, and meltability to perfection.
Perfect Pasta Cooking: Cooking the macaroni just under al dente ensures it finishes perfectly baked without turning mushy.
Balanced Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, and a hint of mustard powder add depth without overpowering the cheesy goodness.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, cheesy baked macaroni, comfort food recipes, homemade 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

I love how each ingredient in this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a role in building that classic, comforting, and deeply cheesy flavor we all crave. Plus, the balance of spices and dairy makes it easy to tweak to your liking!

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, cheesy baked macaroni, comfort food recipes, homemade 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: Coats the baking dish to keep the cheese from sticking and adds a subtle richness to the crust.
Elbow Macaroni: The perfect shape to hold creamy sauce—just don’t overcook it on the stovetop!
Chicken Broth (or Water): Using broth adds a subtle savory background note that gives this mac and cheese more depth.
Sharp Cheddar: Brings that classic cheesy tang and a nice bite to the mix.
Colby Jack Cheese: Mild and creamy, helping to balance the sharp cheddar.
Mozzarella: Adds stretch and melt without overpowering flavor.
American Cheese: Melts beautifully for that super creamy texture.
Cream Cheese: The secret weapon for extra creaminess and tang.
Half and Half & Heavy Cream: These liquid dairies keep the mixture luscious and rich without feeling greasy.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and smokiness that elevates the dish.
Garlic, Onion & Mustard Powder: Layers of flavor that bring subtle complexity without needing fresh prep.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help set the custardy texture when baked.

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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

What’s fun about this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often swap cheeses or add extras based on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. Go on, make it your own!

Cheese Swap: I’ve used Monterey Jack or even smoked Gouda for a twist; just avoid super-aged hard cheeses because they don’t melt well in baked dishes.
Add-ins: Toss in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for an extra flavor boost—trust me, it’s incredible!
Dairy Alternatives: If you don’t have half and half, evaporated milk works great. It’s a pantry staple that keeps your mac super creamy.
Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño can add a delightful kick if you like a little heat.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pasta

First things first, I butter my baking dish—usually an 8×11 or 9×13-inch pan—not just because it helps with cleanup but it adds a slight golden crust to the edges of the mac. Then, I fill a large pot halfway with chicken broth and bring it to a boil. This step is key because cooking the macaroni in broth boosts flavor from the inside out. You want to cook the pasta just under al dente—so it’s still a tiny bit firm—because it will finish cooking during baking and you definitely don’t want mushy noodles.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Sauce

While the pasta boils, I grab a large mixing bowl and combine half of my shredded cheddar and Colby Jack with all the mozzarella, American cheese cubes, and softened cream cheese. Then I whisk in the half and half and heavy cream. This combo makes the sauce endlessly creamy and smooth. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, then give it a taste—you want it punchy enough to balance the cheesy goodness, but don’t overdo the salt since cheese adds saltiness too.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Drain your pasta carefully and immediately stir it into the cheesy mixture along with the eggs. The eggs are important because they set the sauce somewhat, giving that perfect custardy bite once baked. Make sure everything is well combined, then pour it into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake and Create That Perfect Crust

Scatter the remaining cheddar and Colby Jack evenly on top, then dust with a little extra smoked paprika if you’re feeling fancy. Bake at 350ºF for about 35 minutes, until the crust is golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye towards the end; you want melty, bubbly cheese, not dry or rubbery. Let it cool for 5 minutes once out of the oven—that cooling is key to help it set just right—and then dive in.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking it just shy of al dente prevents mushiness after baking—this little step makes a big difference.
Warm the Cream Cheese: Softened, warmed cream cheese blends in smoothly without lumps—microwave for 30 seconds if needed.
Layer Your Cheese: Mixing some into the sauce and reserving some for topping ensures the cheesy flavor seeps through while giving that melty crust.
Watch the Bake Time: Set your timer so you don’t bake too long; drying out the mac is the most common mistake, and it’s so avoidable!

How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, cheesy baked macaroni, comfort food recipes, homemade 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 often sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add crispy breadcrumbs mixed with a touch of melted butter for an extra crunch on top—because who doesn’t love that contrast to gooey mac and cheese?

Side Dishes

This creamy baked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with roasted or steamed veggies like green beans, broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a heartier meal, I love serving it alongside baked chicken or pulled pork—it’s the ultimate cozy combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—that immediate “wow” factor when you bring it to the table still melts hearts every time. You can even swirl in pesto or add sun-dried tomatoes for a festive flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers right in the baking dish, covered tightly with foil, or portion them out in airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge up to 4 days without losing that creamy texture.

Freezing

Believe it or not, I’ve frozen this mac and cheese several times with great results! Just freeze it in a covered dish or freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so it warms evenly without drying out.

Reheating

To reheat and keep it creamy, I add a splash of milk and warm it gently in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered in the oven at 325ºF for 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through and you’ll get that fresh-from-the-oven joy all over again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this mac and cheese?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic because it holds sauce well, you can switch to shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just make sure to cook the pasta slightly under al dente as it will bake further and you don’t want it to become mushy.
What cheese works best in this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe?

The recipe blends sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, and American cheese for a beautiful balance of flavor and melt. You can experiment with similar melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar, but avoid very hard, aged cheeses that don’t melt smoothly when baked.
How do I prevent my mac and cheese from drying out in the oven?

Watch your baking time closely—35 minutes at 350ºF is about right for this recipe. Avoid over-baking, and consider covering with foil partway if it’s browning too fast. Also, the mix of cream cheese, half and half, and heavy cream helps keep it moist and creamy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up through Step 7, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed. It’s a great way to prep for busy days or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart and kitchen because it’s the kind of dish that brings people together—and always brings smiles. It’s reliable comfort food, easily customizable, and feels like a warm hug after any day. I really hope you give this recipe a go; I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home just like it is in mine. Happy baking and cheese loving!