If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is one of those classics that I turn to whenever I want something indulgent, cheesy, and oh-so satisfying. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll discover why it’s a family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Creamy Texture: Thanks to a luscious cheese sauce and a perfect bake, this mac and cheese melts in your mouth every single time.
Simple Ingredients: No crazy shortcuts—just everyday staples that come together beautifully.
Customizable Flavors: You can tweak the seasoning to make it as mild or as bold as you want. Plus, it plays well with all kinds of cheeses.
Family-Tested and Approved: This is the recipe that my family requests on repeat, and I know yours will too.

A white oval dish filled with a creamy macaroni and cheese bake, showing a golden top layer of melted cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly. The middle layer has soft, curly macaroni pasta covered in a smooth, light yellow cheese sauce. A woman’s hand holds a spoon scooping a portion from the dish, revealing the thick and creamy texture underneath. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the warm colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in building that rich, creamy sauce and sturdy baked texture. I love using a combo of cheeses for depth, and whole milk gives the sauce a velvety finish. Pro tip: don’t skip the dry mustard—it adds a subtle tang that really wakes up the cheese flavor.

Dried macaroni: I like elbow macaroni because it holds sauce so well, but feel free to swap for other small pasta shapes.
Egg: This may seem unusual, but it helps enrich the sauce and give it a silky, custard-like consistency when baked.
Salted butter: For that buttery base; salted works fine because you’ll be seasoning the sauce further.
All-purpose flour: The thickening agent to create a smooth roux for your cheese sauce.
Whole milk: I always go with whole milk for its creaminess—it’s key to that luscious texture.
Dry mustard: This ingredient packs a punch of flavor that straight-up elevates your cheese sauce.
Cheese (cheddar, jack, fontina): Mixing cheeses gives you a balance of sharp, creamy, and melty qualities.
Kosher salt: Season carefully—it brings out the best in your cheese without overpowering it.
Seasoned salt: Adds subtle herbs and spices, deepening the flavor profile.
Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a little heat and complexity.
Cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme (optional): Great for adding warmth and earthy undertones if you want to spice things up.

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.

Variations

I love tweaking this creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe to fit different moods or dietary needs. Whether you want to jazz things up or keep it classic, there’s plenty of room for personalization.

Spicy Kick: Adding cayenne pepper and smoked paprika boosts the flavor and gives it a wonderful warmth that makes every bite a little exciting.
Greens Add-In: Stirring in sautéed spinach or kale right before baking adds color and a fresh twist that your family might not expect.
Cheese Swaps: I’ve tried gruyere or gouda instead of fontina for a different melty profile—both work beautifully.
Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free pasta for a safe alternative.
Protein Boost: Bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken folded in before baking make this even heartier.

How to Make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni Until Very Firm

Start by boiling your macaroni, but here’s the trick—cook it *firmer* than usual. I mean, way too firm to eat straight from the pot. This is important because it will continue cooking later in the oven, and you don’t want mushy noodles. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter over medium-low heat, then whisk in the flour. This makes a roux, which is the secret to a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Keep whisking for about 5 minutes—patience here prevents any floury taste and builds that perfect base.

Next, pour in the milk little by little, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. This part is where the magic happens—you’ll see the sauce develop that rich texture we all love.

Step 3: Temper the Egg for Creaminess

Here’s a neat technique I discovered that really sets this recipe apart: beat the egg in a small bowl, then slowly whisk a quarter cup of the hot sauce into the egg. This tempers it, meaning it gently raises the temperature of the egg so it doesn’t scramble when added back in.

Pour the egg mixture back into your pot and whisk vigorously over low heat. It thickens the sauce further and creates a velvety, custard-like texture that’s pure comfort in every bite.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings, Combine all Ingredients

Once your sauce is silky and thick, stir in the grated cheese slowly so it melts evenly without clumping. This step isn’t just about flavor—it’s about texture. Add your salt, seasoned salt, pepper, and if you like, cayenne or thyme to taste. Taste as you go here; seasoning can make or break your sauce.

Finally, fold in the drained macaroni until every piece is luxuriously coated. Pour everything into a buttered baking dish and don’t be shy about topping with a little extra cheese for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your mac and cheese in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbly, lightly browned top and a hot, creamy center. If you want that extra crunch, I sometimes give it a quick broil at the end but watch it carefully to avoid burning.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I used to end up with mushy noodles until I learned to cook macaroni firm—it makes all the difference in texture.
Whisk Constantly: While making your roux and sauce, keep whisking to avoid lumps—this keeps the sauce silky smooth.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Cheese can be salty but also subtle. Tasting the sauce before mixing in pasta ensures your dish isn’t under- or over-salted.
Butter Your Baking Dish Well: Prevents sticking and contributes to that perfect golden crust.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a small white square bowl filled with a portion of macaroni and cheese. The macaroni pasta is tube-shaped and covered in creamy yellow cheese sauce, with some parts browned from baking, making it look slightly crispy on top. A shiny metal spoon rests inside the bowl, holding a scoop of the cheesy pasta. In the background, a larger white round dish filled with more macaroni and cheese is slightly out of focus, sitting on a light wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that contrasts nicely with all that richness. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of smoked paprika adds an inviting warmth and beautiful color.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with lighter sides like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies, which balance out the richness. I also enjoy serving it alongside barbecue or crispy fried chicken to round out a comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs for a delightful twist. It turns a humble dish into an elegant comfort food star that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it safe and tasty. Personally, I love having the next-day mac and cheese for lunch—the flavors deepen overnight!

Freezing

This mac and cheese freezes well, which I learned after a big batch was leftover from a family gathering. Just freeze it in a sealed container before baking. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as usual—although the texture is best fresh, this method saves you time on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. I sometimes add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened too much, then stir gently halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne work great too because they hold the cheese sauce well. Just be sure to cook the pasta until very firm regardless of the shape.
Why does this recipe include an egg in the sauce?

The egg enriches the sauce and gives it a creamy, custard-like texture after baking. To avoid scrambling, the egg is tempered with hot sauce before being combined, ensuring smoothness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cooked pasta ahead, store everything in the fridge separately, then assemble and bake when ready. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.
What cheeses work best in Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?

I recommend using a combination like sharp cheddar for boldness, jack for creaminess, and fontina for meltability. This blend creates a balanced, flavorful sauce. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy after baking?

Cooking the pasta only until very firm before mixing with sauce is key. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so starting firm keeps the final dish perfectly textured without becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting tradition that brings people together around the table. I absolutely love how it turns out every time—the rich, cheesy sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta hits all the right notes. If you want a mac and cheese that’s easy to master but impressive enough to serve your family or friends, give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how something so classic can feel so fresh and special with just a few simple steps.