Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with gooey melted cheese in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a cozy weeknight dinner, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this casserole is a go-to favorite for all the right reasons. Baked to golden perfection, it combines the nostalgic flavor of classic stovetop mac with the hearty texture of a baked dish. Best of all, it’s easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress seasoned cooks. Let’s bring this cheesy masterpiece to life, one bubbly, golden layer at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-Friendly Favorite: This Mac and Cheese Casserole is loved by kids and adults alike—perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners.
• Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy: With three types of cheese and a velvety homemade sauce, each bite is indulgent and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it earlier in the day and just pop it in the oven before dinner. It also reheats beautifully!
• Customizable: Want to mix in bacon, veggies, or breadcrumbs? This recipe is a fantastic base for your favorite add-ins.
• Bakes to Perfection: The top gets perfectly golden and bubbly while staying creamy underneath—casserole goals!

Ingredients

To make the ultimate Mac and Cheese Casserole, you’ll need the following:

Pasta

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any short pasta you love)

Cheese (freshly grated for best melt)

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups medium cheddar cheese
• 2 cups Colby Jack cheese
• 1 cup sharp cheddar (for topping)
• 1 cup medium cheddar (for topping)
• 1 cup Colby Jack (for topping)

Sauce Base

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups whole milk

Seasoning

• 1½ tsp ground mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Roux

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Add Spices & Dairy

Whisk in ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and salt. Slowly pour in heavy cream and whole milk while whisking until smooth.

4. Melt the Cheese

Add the shredded sharp cheddar, medium cheddar, and Colby Jack (reserving 1 cup of each for topping). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

5. Combine with Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.

6. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon in half of the macaroni mixture, sprinkle with some reserved cheese, then add the rest of the pasta and top with remaining cheese.

7. Bake

Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–45 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

Estimated Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~620
• Total Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 23g

Tips & Variations

🔪 Expert Tips

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated melts like a dream.
• Don’t Overbake: Just 15–20 minutes is enough—overbaking can dry out the sauce.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking for cleaner slices and richer texture.

🧀 Fun Variations

• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers before baking.
• Mix in Protein: Stir in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or diced ham for a heartier meal.
• Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack.

Mac and Cheese Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this mac and cheese casserole is the ultimate comfort dish for family meals or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 610

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb elbow macaroni
• – 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• – 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
• – 1½ tsp ground mustard
• – 1 tsp garlic powder
• – 1 tsp onion powder
• – 1 tsp black pepper
• – ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
• – 1 tsp salt
• – 3 cups heavy cream
• – 2 cups whole milk
• – 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
• – 2 cups medium cheddar cheese grated
• – 2 cups Colby Jack cheese grated
• – 1 cup sharp cheddar for topping
• – 1 cup medium cheddar for topping
• – 1 cup Colby Jack for topping

Equipment

• – Large pot
• Whisk
• – Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Cheese grater

Method

 

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 2 minutes.
3. Stir in mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, cayenne, and salt.
4. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add in all grated cheeses (except toppings). Stir until melted and smooth.
6. Mix cheese sauce with pasta until fully coated.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Layer half of the mac and cheese in the dish. Sprinkle with some topping cheese.
9. Add remaining mac and cheese and top with remaining cheese.
10. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

– Grate your own cheese for best texture.
– Add a crunchy topping like breadcrumbs if desired.
– Can be made ahead and baked later.

FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time if cold.

Can I freeze mac and cheese casserole?

Yes. Assemble and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. It’s best to leave off the topping cheese until just before baking.

What’s the best cheese combination?

Sharp cheddar for bold flavor, Colby Jack for meltability, and medium cheddar for balance. You can swap in mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack based on what you have.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to retain moisture, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk for creaminess.

Conclusion

This Mac and Cheese Casserole brings together all the things we love—creamy sauce, layers of melty cheese, and a perfectly golden top. It’s cozy, reliable, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is guaranteed to disappear fast. Make it once, and it might just become your signature recipe.