Ultimate Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese

This ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese starts with a silky homemade cheese sauce that coats every bite of tender elbow macaroni. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays.

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
4. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until fully melted.
6. Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until evenly coated.
8. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden crust if desired.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Servings

6–8 servings