Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Craving the best macaroni and cheese baked macaroni? This Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe with bread crumbs is pure comfort! Get my family's soulfood mac and cheese baked macaroni recipe now!

June 6, 2025
By Marissa Duarte.

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Alright, let's dive into some cheesy goodness! ever crave that ultimate comfort food? i’m talking about a dish that hugs you from the inside out? honestly, for me, it’s gotta be macaroni and cheese baked macaroni .

Nothing beats that creamy, cheesy taste, especially when it's baked to golden perfection.

Granny's Secret: Best Ever Mac And Cheese Baked Macaroni

This isn’t just any macaroni and cheese homemade . this is that soulfood mac and cheese baked macaroni recipe that takes you back.

It's inspired by generations of southern cooks. think creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible. plus, it is easy to make. total time around 50 minutes.

This makes about 6 to 8 servings.

This recipe is seriously special. it gives you the warm, fuzzy feeling of home. it's rich in calcium and protein.

It's also perfect for family dinners or potlucks. trust me, everyone will be begging for your secret! who doesn't love the best mac n cheese recipe !

Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) salt for pasta water
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (710ml) whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground nutmeg (optional)
• 4 cups (400g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded Gruyere cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup (50g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) panko bread crumbs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter (optional)

Instructions:

• Boil macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
• Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
• Add 3 cups of cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Monterey Jack and stir until melted and smooth.
• Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni and stir to coat evenly.
• Transfer macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
• (Optional) Combine panko bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Assembling the Cheesy Dream: The Ingredients

Okay, so what do we need to make this magic happen? first, you'll need 1 pound of elbow macaroni. don’t forget the cheese! we're talking 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Aged cheddar mac and cheese is where it's at, people. plus, half cup of shredded monterey jack for extra meltiness and 1 cup of gruyere because, why not be fancy? melted butter.

All-purpose flour. whole milk. panko bread crumbs, and all the butter you can!

Now, that you have all the ingredients, lets get to work!

Okay, let's dive into the ingredients and equipment for this Best Ever Mac And Cheese Baked Macaroni masterpiece! Honestly, this part is super important. Good ingredients equal good food. End of story.

Ingredients for Soulfood Mac And Cheese Baked Macaroni

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Don't skimp on the cheese. Please? It makes a huge difference!

Main Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (454g) . I'm telling you, al dente is key here. Nobody wants mushy macaroni and cheese baked macaroni .
• Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) . Because butter makes everything better.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g) . This is for our roux, which is the base of the creamy dream.
• Whole Milk: 3 cups (710ml) . Full fat is where it's at. Trust me.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups (400g) shredded, divided. Get the sharpest you can find! It elevates this Good Macaroni And Cheese Recipe . I would also recomend some Aged Cheddar Mac And Cheese for the best results.
• Gruyere Cheese: 1 cup (100g) shredded (optional). Adds a touch of fancy, if you're feeling it.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) shredded. Melts like a dream, making it extra gooey.

Seasoning Notes

Alright, this is where you can get creative but this is the most important.

• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Essential for flavor. Don't forget it!
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . Adds a little kick. Freshly ground is best, you know?
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional). Sounds weird, but it adds warmth and depth. Trust me.
• Spice Combinations: Think smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or a dash of cayenne for heat.
• Flavor Enhancers: A little Dijon mustard in the cheese sauce is a game changer . Honestly!

Don't have nutmeg? A pinch of mace will do! Ran out of cheddar? Colby Jack can stand in!

Equipment Needed

Right, let's talk gear. Nothing too crazy, promise.

• Large Pot: For boiling the macaroni.
• Colander: For draining the pasta. Obvs.
• Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: For that glorious cheese sauce.
• Whisk: To avoid lumps in your roux. Ain't nobody got time for lumpy cheese sauce!
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish : The vessel for baked macaroni and cheese .
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Because eyeballing it is a recipe for disaster. Trust me , I've been there.

Don't have a whisk? A fork works in a pinch! No baking dish? A cast-iron skillet would be so nice, wouldn't it?

Honestly? if you nail these ingredients and have these basic tools, you're already halfway to the best mac n cheese recipe this side of the mississippi! this is a game changer with my southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe roots.

And if you are more creative, you might like a baked mac and cheese no roux recipe or baked mac and cheese recipe southern with bread crumbs but it is on you! i have to warn you that these are not the recipe macaroni and cheese i know.

Let's get cooking for that Good Macaroni And Cheese Recipe !

Okay, let's dive into the cheesy goodness that is macaroni and cheese baked macaroni ! forget that powdered stuff, we're making the real deal.

Honestly, once you taste this, you'll never go back. it’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a sunday dinner.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Macaroni and Cheese Baked Macaroni Foundation

First, let's talk mise en place. sounds fancy, right? it just means getting everything ready. get that pound of elbow macaroni, cheese (i'm talking a aged cheddar mac and cheese dream), butter, flour, and milk all lined up.

Having everything at your fingertips? major time saver. safety first! make sure the pot for the pasta is on a stable surface, yeah? no one wants a boiling water accident.

Let's Get Cheesy: The Baked Macaroni Step-by-Step

1. Boil that macaroni! Follow the package directions, but undercook it slightly . We're talking al dente. Drain it good.
2. Now, the magic sauce! Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 1/2 cup of flour and cook for about 1 minute . This is called a roux, and it's super important for a smooth sauce!
3. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk. Keep stirring, or you'll get lumps. No one wants lumpy mac and cheese! Cook until it thickens.
4. Take it off the heat, then stir in 4 cups of shredded cheddar (the sharp kind!), 1 cup Gruyere, and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack. Ooey gooey heaven!
5. Mix the sauce and macaroni, then pour it into a 9x13 baking dish.
6. Top with bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. (Optional, but seriously, do it!)
7. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips for The Best Mac N Cheese Recipe Ever

• Secret weapon? A little nutmeg in the sauce. It adds a warm, comforting flavour.
• Don't use pre-shredded cheese. It doesn't melt as well. Grate it yourself, trust me!
• You can totally make this ahead of time! Assemble it, but don't bake it. Pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you're ready.

This isn't just any mac and cheese. this is southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe , soulfood mac and cheese baked macaroni style, mac and cheese recipe soul food with good macaroni and cheese recipe .

It’s best ever mac and cheese baked macaroni , and it’s going to become your new go-to.

Alright, so you’ve got the best ever mac and cheese baked macaroni prepped, bubbling away in the oven. now what? don't just serve it up all willy-nilly! let’s talk serving suggestions, storage, variations and, just for the health nuts, a little nutrition info.

Recipe Notes: The Devil is in the Details!

Honestly, these little details can make or break a dish. You’ve put in the effort; let's make sure it shines!

Plating and Presentation: Look At this beauty!

Presentation is everything! seriously. this soulfood mac and cheese baked macaroni deserves to look as good as it tastes. i like to let it cool slightly, then cut a nice square (or a generous scoop, if i'm being honest!).

Maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley? It adds a pop of color. And for those fancy dinner parties (or you just feeling bougie), a little drizzle of truffle oil can elevate the whole dish!

Complementary Sides or Beverages: Partners in Crime

What goes great with this southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe ? well, a crisp green salad is always a winner.

That bit of freshness cuts through the richness. roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are also fantastic.

And for drinks? I’m a sucker for a good ol' sweet tea with this baked mac and cheese recipe southern with bread crumbs . Alternatively, a dry white wine for the grown-ups.

Storage Tips: Don't Let It Go To Waste!

Refrigeration Guidelines:

Got leftovers? (Lucky you!). Let the macaroni and cheese baked macaroni cool completely before popping it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Options:

Freezing is totally doable. but here's a tip: the texture might change slightly. the cheese sauce can get a little grainy.

I suggest freezing individual portions for easy reheating. wrap them tightly in cling film and then foil.

Reheating Instructions:

To reheat the homemade mac and cheese casserole , i prefer the oven. pop it in a preheated oven at 350° f ( 175° c) for about 15- 20 minutes.

A splash of milk can help bring back the creaminess. microwave works in a pinch, but watch out for splattering.

Variations: Keep It Fresh!

Dietary Adaptations:

Wanna make this more healthy or diet-friendly. you could try using back mac and cheese recipe with gluten-free pasta and a dairy-free cheese sauce with nutritional yeast.

It won't be quite the same, but it's a good substitute. seasonal ingredient swaps:

In the fall, butternut squash puree added to the cheese sauce is amazing. for summer, some grilled corn or zucchini would be a great addition to that recipe for macaroni cheese .

The homemade cheesy mac and cheese is better than any store.

Nutrition Basics: Just a quick look

Okay, let’s be real: this macaroni and cheese homemade isn't health food. i think it's more of a savory nothings recipes .

But hey, everything in moderation, right? it's packed with calcium from the cheese and some protein. you can find this recipe macaroni and cheese anywhere.

The best mac n cheese recipe is a delicious one! you want to know the best mac n cheese recipe or what's the good macaroni and cheese recipe ? this one! just keep in mind those estimated calories, fat, and carbs!

Alright, there you have it. my little aged cheddar mac and cheese wisdom. now go enjoy your baked make and cheese ! don't forget the secret ingredient is always love (and a lot of cheese!).