🧀 Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Ultra Creamy & Cheesy)

⏱ Prep time: 5 minutes
🔥 Cook time: 25–30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 6

🧄 Ingredients

✅ For the pasta & cheese sauce

• 2¼ cups elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• ⅔ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1⅓ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ pound sliced cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or your favorite)

✅ For the crunchy topping

• ¼ cup butter (melted)
• ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta

• Boil the macaroni in water according to the package instructions.
• Drain the pasta and set it aside in the pot.

2️⃣ Make the creamy cheese sauce

• In another pot, melt butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly (this makes the sauce thick).
• Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking.
• Cook until thick and smooth.
• Add salt and pepper.
• Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted.

3️⃣ Combine pasta and sauce

• Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.

4️⃣ Layer the mac and cheese

• Pour half of the mac and cheese into a buttered baking dish.
• Add the sliced cheese layer on top (yes, all of it 😋).
• Add the remaining mac and cheese on top and spread evenly.

5️⃣ Add the breadcrumb topping

• Mix melted butter with panko crumbs.
• Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

6️⃣ Bake

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
• Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese

• 🧀 Use sharp cheddar for strong flavor and mozzarella for stretchiness.
• 🧀 Grate cheese fresh—pre-shredded cheese melts poorly.
• 🥛 Want extra creamy? Use all heavy cream instead of milk.
• 🥓 You can add bacon, but the classic version keeps it simple and cheesy.

🍽 What to Serve With It

• Fresh green salad
• Roasted broccoli or vegetables
• Fried chicken or BBQ meat