Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Cheesy Bake for Every Comfort Craving

Few dishes define comfort food quite like Mac and Cheese – Ultimate Cheesy Bake. Creamy, gooey, and topped with a golden crust of bubbling cheese, this baked mac and cheese is pure indulgence. Every forkful delivers perfectly tender pasta coated in a silky, rich cheese sauce that’s baked to perfection. I made this recipe one Sunday for a family dinner, and it quickly became a favorite — simple, crowd-pleasing, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side for the holidays or a cozy main dish, this recipe guarantees creamy perfection with just the right amount of crunch on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mac and cheese is all about balance — creamy inside, crispy on top, and packed with layers of cheese flavor. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese — its shape perfectly holds the sauce. You can also use shells, cavatappi, or penne.

Butter adds richness and forms the base of the roux for your creamy cheese sauce.

All-purpose flour thickens the sauce, giving it that luscious, velvety texture.

Whole milk and heavy cream create the smooth, creamy base that makes every bite irresistibly rich.

Cheddar cheese gives mac and cheese its signature sharp flavor — use freshly shredded for the best melt.

Mozzarella cheese adds stretchiness and gooey texture.

Gruyère or Monterey Jack contributes a mild, nutty creaminess that takes the flavor up a notch.

Parmesan cheese adds a final punch of savory, salty depth to the topping.

Dijon mustard (optional) enhances the cheese flavor with a subtle tang.

Garlic powder and paprika add gentle warmth and spice without overpowering the cheese.

Salt and black pepper season the sauce to perfection.

Panko breadcrumbs (optional) provide a crispy, buttery topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Slowly add 3 cups of the shredded cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère), stirring until melted and creamy.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.

For the topping (optional), combine melted butter and panko breadcrumbs, then sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes. Total time: 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. For freezing, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake until heated through.

Variations and Customizations

Three-Cheese Mac – Mix cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack for a rich, balanced flavor.

Bacon Mac and Cheese – Stir in crispy bacon bits before baking for smoky depth.

Lobster Mac – Add chunks of cooked lobster for a decadent twist.

Buffalo Chicken Mac – Mix in shredded chicken and buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.

Truffle Mac – Drizzle with truffle oil before serving for gourmet flair.

Jalapeño Popper Mac – Add diced jalapeños and cream cheese for a spicy, creamy version.

Veggie Mac – Mix in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas for a lighter variation.

Gluten-Free Mac – Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a safe alternative.

Extra Crispy Top – Combine panko, Parmesan, and butter for a crunchier finish.

One-Pot Shortcut – Skip the bake and enjoy it straight from the stovetop for quicker prep.

FAQs

What cheese melts best for mac and cheese?

Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack are great melting cheeses.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded melts better — pre-shredded often has anti-caking agents.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

How do I make it creamier?

Use extra cream and cheese, and don’t overbake it.

Can I freeze mac and cheese?

Yes, freeze before baking or after cooling completely.

How do I reheat without drying it out?

Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist.

Can I use evaporated milk?

Yes, it adds creaminess and a slightly caramelized flavor.

What pasta shape works best?

Elbows are classic, but shells, cavatappi, or penne work just as well.

Can I add protein?

Absolutely — chicken, ham, bacon, or shrimp make great additions.

Can I skip the bake?

Yes! Skip the topping and enjoy it straight from the stove for stovetop mac and cheese.

Conclusion

Mac and Cheese – Ultimate Cheesy Bake is the definition of comfort food perfection. With its creamy, velvety sauce and golden, crispy top, it’s a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this baked mac and cheese is pure cheesy bliss. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the boxed kind again.

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