Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and made with a homemade cheese sauce. A simple comfort food side dish perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.

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This easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and made with simple ingredients. Tender elbow macaroni is coated in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce and baked until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Whether you’re planning a holiday meal, bringing a side dish to a potluck, or just craving classic comfort food, this baked macaroni and cheese is a dependable recipe that both kids and adults love. Best of all, it’s easy enough for beginner cooks and comes together with everyday ingredients you may already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy: Every bite is coated in a velvety cheese sauce made with cheddar cheese, milk, heavy cream, and sour cream.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable, even if you’re new to making homemade mac and cheese.
• Made with pantry staples: You won’t need any specialty ingredients to make this comforting homemade side dish.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal, potluck, cookout, or family dinner, this baked macaroni and cheese always feels right at home on the table.
• A family favorite: The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make this a side dish that both kids and adults look forward to.

Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Large saucepan or skillet
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Colander
• Large pot for boiling pasta

Ingredients

• ½ lb of elbow macaroni
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ stick of butter
• ¼ cup of all purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups of sharp cheddar
• 1 cup of mild cheddar
• ½ tsp of salt
• ½ tsp of pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup sour cream

Ingredient Notes

• Elbow macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta for baked macaroni and cheese, but other small pasta shapes such as shells, cavatappi, or rotini can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
• Heavy cream and whole milk: This combination creates a rich, creamy cheese sauce. For the best texture and flavor, stick with full-fat dairy products.
• Butter and flour: These ingredients form the roux, which helps thicken the cheese sauce and gives it a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold, classic mac and cheese flavor. For the smoothest sauce, freshly shredded cheese is recommended.
• Mild cheddar cheese: Mild cheddar balances the sharper cheese and contributes to the creamy texture of the finished dish.
• Sour cream: Sour cream adds extra richness and a subtle tang that complements the cheddar cheese without overpowering it.
• Smoked paprika: A small amount of smoked paprika adds depth of flavor and enhances the color of the cheese sauce.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a mild savory flavor that blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings help bring out the flavor of the cheese and balance the richness of the dish.

How to Make Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring 5 to 6 cups of water to a rolling boil. Cook until al dente according to the package directions. Al dente means the pasta should be tender but still slightly firm when bitten. Basically, the pasta should only be partially cooked in this step. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce Base

Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue cooking over medium-high heat, whisking frequently, until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken slightly. The sauce should be smooth and able to lightly coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, mild cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and sour cream. Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth, about 3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until every piece of pasta is evenly coated. Take your time with this step to make sure the sauce reaches all of the macaroni for the creamiest results.

Step 7: Assemble the Mac & Cheese

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy, golden crust as the macaroni and cheese bakes.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, the edges are bubbling, and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success | Recipe Notes

• Cook the pasta just until al dente. The macaroni will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly firm pasta helps prevent a mushy final dish.
• Salt the pasta water. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water before adding the macaroni. This helps season the pasta from the inside out and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The ½ teaspoon of salt in the cheese sauce can remain the same.
• Reduce the heat before adding the cheese. High heat can cause cheese sauces to become grainy. Keeping the heat low helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce.
• Take the shortcut. Pre-shredded cheese keeps this recipe quick and convenient, and it works well here. Many pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt, so freshly shredded cheese may create a silkier sauce, but either option will give you delicious results.
• Don’t overbake. Bake just until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. Overbaking can cause the macaroni and cheese to dry out.
• Let it rest before serving. Allowing the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover baked macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.
  • Oven: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating if the sauce has thickened during storage.
• Make-ahead Tip:
  • Prepare the macaroni and cheese as directed through Step 7, but do not bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
  • When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and place it on the stovetop or countertop while the oven preheats. This helps take the chill off the dish and allows it to come closer to room temperature before baking. Avoid placing a very cold glass or ceramic baking dish directly into a hot oven, as sudden temperature changes can cause some dishes to crack.
  • Bake as directed, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

What to Serve With Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This easy baked macaroni and cheese pairs well with everything from holiday meals to weeknight dinners. Whether you’re planning a holiday menu, Sunday dinner, or family gathering, this creamy macaroni and cheese makes a versatile side dish. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

Variations & Add-Ins

Looking to make this recipe your own? Here are a few easy ways to customize it:

• Add a crispy topping: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs over the top before baking for extra texture.
• Try different cheeses: Swap some of the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Gouda, or Gruyère.
• Add protein: Stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, or pulled pork to make this baked macaroni and cheese even more filling. If you love bacon, you’ll also enjoy my Stovetop Bacon Mac & Cheese recipe.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few diced jalapeños.
• Boost the flavor: Stir in a little Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce with the cheese sauce.

FAQ’s | Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts | Personal Note

Macaroni and cheese is a must-have at every holiday meal in our house. In fact, my husband requests it every single year. The funny thing is that we don’t actually prefer the same style of mac and cheese. He loves a baked macaroni and cheese, while I tend to gravitate toward a creamier version.

That’s why this recipe has become our happy medium. It has the cheesy, baked comfort food flavor he loves, but it stays creamy enough to satisfy my preference for a softer, saucier macaroni and cheese.

Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, or a weeknight meal, I hope this easy baked macaroni and cheese earns a place at your table too.