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This Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly one of the best recipes you can try. It’s incredibly creamy and more flavorful than most, thanks to the cheeses I use and the addition of cream cheese. I make this Mac and Cheese Recipe every year for Thanksgiving, but with this updated version, I’ve made it several times, and now our neighbors are enjoying it too. It’s a hearty dish, so keep that in mind when serving!
This is the best Mac and Cheese Recipe you will ever make! In 15 minutes, you can have a bowl of this this creamy, rich, and cheesy coated plate of noodles, and hearts will be full!
One for Your Holiday Recipes Notebooks!
Mac and cheese will be your favorite recipe for a quick meal. I make this for thanksgiving dinner every year and this year I made a few tweaks… Let’s just say, the pot was gone!
Creamy Dreamy Mac & Cheese
Whatever the occasion, whatever the reason, this mac and cheese recipe will always bring comfort and warmth. Both kids and adults will be giddy with excitement over this silky, creamy, and cheesy goodness!
Once you try this homemade Mac and Cheese, you won’t go back to the boxed version ever again. For a complete meal, serve your mac and cheese as a main dish with boiled and seasoned broccoli or glazed carrots.
Table of Contents
- Recipe Overview
- Why is this the Best Homemade Mac & Cheese?
- What Ingredients Are Needed for Classic Mac and Cheese?
- Best Mac & Cheese Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Process for Making Mac and Cheese
- Steps to Prep the Best Mac & Cheese Recipe
- What is the Best Cheese to Use for Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese?
- How to Avoid Grainy Cheese Sauce
- What Can You Add to Mac and Cheese?
- Macaroni and Cheese Variations
- Pro Tip
- Storage Tips
- How to Bake Mac and Cheese from Frozen
- Top Tips
- Pro Tips to Get the Best Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pro Tips for Creaminess
- More Macaroni Recipes to Try
- The Best Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Recipe
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Baking, Stovetop
Skill Required: Easy
Signature Taste: Creamy, cheesy, with a smoky flavor (if using smoked gouda or paprika)
Diet Info: Contains dairy and gluten (can be modified for specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or dairy-free)
Why is this the Best Homemade Mac & Cheese?
It’s extra saucy, creamy, and totally dreamy with different kinds of cheese.
It’s easy to make the sauce from scratch
The pasta does not get dry and remains nice and creamy
It tastes wonderful, especially when it is paired with sharp cheddar cheese.
It is great for add-ins. The sky is basically your limit here. You can add proteins, herbs, or your favorite veggies.
It’s a kid friendly recipe that the entire family will enjoy, even your pickiest eaters!
Irresistibly Smooth & Cheesy!
What Ingredients Are Needed for Classic Mac and Cheese?
Macaroni noodles: The classic elbow noodles are my favorite, but feel free to use your favorite short pasta. Elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, and shells are excellent choices. Gluten-free pasta also works well!
Butter: There really isn’t a substitute for butter in this recipe in terms of flavor. Use unsalted butter for this and then adjust salt to taste when making the sauce. However, if salted butter is all you have, it will suffice. If butter is unavailable, you can use margarine or ghee.
Flour: I use all purpose flour. However, corn starch, tapioca starch/flour, and all-purpose gluten-free flour can be used as well.
Cheese: Traditional mac and cheese is made with sharp cheddar cheese. For a richer cheesy taste, I use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey, and Swiss and Gruyere. I also add some cream cheese to make the sauce extra creamy.
Heavy cream: Adding heavy cream will make the sauce rich and creamy.
Milk: This recipe works well with any type of milk. Just keep in mind that the more fat you use, the creamier your homemade mac and cheese will be.
Salt and Pepper: Add some salt and a dash of black pepper for extra flavor.
Best Mac & Cheese Ingredients
Next time you crave something cheesy goodness, you have to try this homemade macaroni and cheese recipe. Here’s what you need.
- elbow macaroni noodles
- butter
- flour
- heavy cream
- whole milk
- cream cheese
- medium sharp shredded cheddar cheese
- Colby and Monterey shredded cheese
- Smoked Gouda Cheese
- shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
- salt
- black pepper
- smoked paprika
- garlic powder
Step-by-Step Process for Making Mac and Cheese
Melt the butter on low to medium heat, then whisk in the flour.
It should look like this.
Then, pour in the heavy cream.
Add the cheese and whisk.
Until smooth & creamy
Gently mix in drained elbow noodles.
Enjoy!
Steps to Prep the Best Mac & Cheese Recipe
Preheat oven to 350F.
Boil a pot of water, add a little salt, pasta and cook for 8 minutes then strain.
Drizzle a little oil (not much) toss gently. This prevents pasta from sticking together.
In a large pot on low-medium heat melt butter, then add the flour and whisk together until smooth.
After that, slowly add the milk and heavy whipping cream, whisking to combine.
Add in the cream cheese, shredded Colby and Monterey cheese, cheddar, smoked gouda cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Whisk until melted and creamy.
Gently fold in the cooked elbow pasta.
Pour into a 9×13 casserole, top with shredded mozzarella (shredded gouda and cheddar optional).
Bake for 20 minutes. If needed, broil on high for 3-5 minutes until cheese is golden.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
What is the Best Cheese to Use for Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese?
Macaroni and cheese is often made with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s practically a part of every American kid’s childhood.
Cheddar is my nostalgic favorite when it comes to mac and cheese. It melts easily, making it ideal for that delectable cheese pull. It also gives the mac and cheese the classic orange color.
You can add different cheeses. I usually add in some Colby and Monterey Jack because of their mild flavor and good melting properties. You may add some Pepper Jack, another version of Monterey Jack. Also, for a lot of complex cheese flavor and depth to the dish, I add some Swiss and Gruyere cheese.
It’s better to grate your own cheese to get the best flavor, no matter what kind you use. I know it takes a little more time to prepare, but hand-grated cheese melts so much easier into the sauce. But you can skip this part and use pre-shredded cheese as I have before and it will be perfect!
Look at this Silky Glossy Cheesy Sauce!
How to Avoid Grainy Cheese Sauce
The type of cheddar you use makes a difference. High quality aged cheddar cheese will taste better and have a smoother texture. Milder and cheaper cheddar cheese will taste less flavorful.
Fresh grated cheese is best. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded store-bought cheese, and grating cheese ensures it melts smoothly and evenly in sauce.
Does the Cheese Have to Be at Room Temperature?
Make sure the cheese is at room temperature. It’s always good to grate the cheese first, before starting the recipe. By doing so, it can sit at room temperature while you prepare the white sauce.
Use low heat. The cheese will melt properly and smoothly if the temperature changes gradually. Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before adding the cheese. The sauce should only be warm enough to melt the cheese.
What Can You Add to Mac and Cheese?
You can dress up your macaroni and cheese in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh Herbs
- Grilled chicken
- Broccoli
- Hot Sauce
- Jalapenos
Macaroni and Cheese Variations
Baked Mac and Cheese: Simply combine the pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish and bake with a little more cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
Taco Mac & Cheese: Taco Mac & Cheese is the perfect duo! So rich and cheesy, it melts in your mouth mixed with taco seasoned ground beef!
Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: A good option for a lower carb version that you can enjoy guilt-free!
Turkey and Mac Sandwich: Thanksgiving leftovers is the best way to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner all over again, but, in a sandwich!
Pro Tip
The smoked gouda adds a delicious smoky flavor, so I highly recommend using it. If you can’t find smoked gouda, don’t worry—adding smoked paprika also gives it that smoky kick. Regular gouda works well too. Garlic powder is optional but recommended to enhance the flavor.
Storage Tips
For Next Day- Refrigeration Ready
Step-by-Step:
Prepare the pasta and sauce as directed in the recipe, then fold in the cooked pasta until well combined. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish and let it cool completely — this step is very important to prevent steam from creating excess moisture.
Once cooled, sprinkle the top with shredded cheese (and breadcrumbs, if using). Cover the dish tightly by pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pasta, then adding a layer of foil over the top.
Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
To Bake Next Day:
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover it. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to ensure it bakes evenly. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, since it will be starting from cold. If the top needs extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
For Freezer-Bake Later
Freezing Instructions:
Stop after mixing the sauce and pasta—do not bake.
Label with: “Mac & Cheese”, date, and Bake at 350°F .
Freeze up to 2–3 months.
How to Bake Mac and Cheese from Frozen
Option 1: Bake Directly From Frozen (No Thawing)
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Keep the casserole covered with foil.
Bake for 60–70 minutes.
Optional: Gently stir the center halfway through to help it heat evenly.
Remove the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Option 2: Thaw Overnight, Then Bake
Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight (about 12 hours).
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes.
Broil for 2–3 minutes if you want a crisp, bubbly cheese topping
Top Tips
If baking from frozen → after 45 min, gently stir the center with a spoon to help heat evenly (optional but helps!).
If the mac and cheese looks a little thick after thawing, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of milk before baking to bring back creaminess.
Pro Tips to Get the Best Recipe
Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy in the sauce. Don’t forget to salt the pasta water for better flavor.
Mac and cheese is great for a crowd— feel free to double or triple the recipe and use a large pot for boiling.
This recipe is very simple. Make the sauce while the pasta boils, mix them together, and enjoy immediately. Baking it makes it creamier and helps it thicken if the sauce seems loose.
For the casserole, top with cheese (breadcrumbs optional). Use any mix of cheeses or just mozzarella. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Shred cheese by hand for smoother melting—pre-shredded cheese has additives that affect texture.
For breadcrumbs, toast them in melted butter, then sprinkle over the top with a little paprika.
Add more flavor with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dry mustard, mustard powder, or a pinch of nutmeg.
For extra creaminess, top the mac and cheese with more cheese and bake 8 minutes at 350°F, then broil 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! Simply make the roux with gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free flour.
This Mac & Cheese reheats well in the microwave. It only takes 2 minutes. Add a few extra spoons of milk to make it extra creamy. You can also reheat it in a pot on the stove on low heat.
YES you can!! Freshly shredded cheese melts better in mac and cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from sticking together, which affects how it melts but it still has worked for me!
Store any leftovers in a bowl and wrap it with a plastic wrap or put them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cook your noodles in milk instead of water. So for this recipe you will cook your noodles with 2 cups heavy cream and 3 cups whole milk. This helps to create a very creamy consistency since the starches of the noodles are released into the milk when cooked.
Pro Tips for Creaminess
Slightly undercook pasta before freezing (about 6–7 min) → so it stays firm after reheating.
Add an extra splash of milk (2–3 tbsp) before baking if it looks thick after thawing.
Freeze WITHOUT the breadcrumb topping — add that right before baking for best crunch.
More Macaroni Recipes to Try
Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Gigi Hadid’s Viral Pasta Recipe (Without the Vodka)
The Best Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni noodles
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups medium sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Colby and Monterey cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Smoked Gouda Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, for topping
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F
- Boil a pot of water, add a little salt, pasta and cook for 8minutes then strain.
- Drizzle a little oil (not much) toss gently. This prevents pasta from sticking together.
- In a large pot on low-medium heat melt butter, then add the flour and whisk together until smooth.
- After that, slowly add the milk and heavy whipping cream, whisking to combine.
- Add in the cream cheese, shredded Colby and Monterey cheese, cheddar, smoked gouda cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Whisk until melted and creamy.
- Gently fold in the cooked elbow pasta.
- Pour into a 9×13 casserole, top with shredded mozzarella (shredded gouda and cheddar optional).
- Bake for 20 minutes. If needed, broil on high for 3-5minutes until cheese is golden.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!
This is my new go to Mac n cheese recipe.
Many thanks
I can’t wait to make this for some friends this week! We are supposed to bring a dish to a gathering for lunch and I’m bringing this mac and cheese!
This recipe worked flawlessly and resulted in a creamy cheesey mac and cheese. The instructions were clear and super easy to follow! LOVE IT
Super easy! Super tasty! And suoer cheesey. Perfect mac and cheese recipe
This mac n cheese is sooo cheesy good
Quick and easy to put together – so delocious and out of this world good! Thank you
Hi Cathy!! AWESOME!! Nothing like a deliciously cheesy Mac and Cheese recipe 🙌
I’ve become addicted to this mac and cheese recipe. It’a incredibly delicious the combination of cheese is divine 👍
Yay! Glad you liked my Mac and Cheese recipe!
I was starving and discovered that I had mac and cheese ingredients at home. So, I thought I should be able to make a quick mac and cheese. I found this recipe. It was so easy, the result was great and it hit the spot!
I used to buy boxed Mac n Cheese, but after i tried your recipe i won’t ever do it. This one is healthier and more delicious
I was starving and discovered that I had just enough milk cheese, butter, and elbow macaroni, so, I thought I should be able to make a quick mac and cheese. I found this recipe and was delighted that it was so easy and I thought the result was great. It hit the spot!
YAY!