Description
This Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe delivers rich, creamy, Southern-style comfort with sharp cheddar, eggs, and a crispy golden topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this casserole-style dish is a crowd-pleaser that holds its shape and bursts with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups dry elbow macaroni: captures cheese sauce in every bite
- 3 tbsp salted butter: adds richness and helps form the roux
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: thickens the cheese sauce
- 2 cups whole milk: provides creaminess and smooth texture
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: delivers bold, tangy flavor
- 6 eggs: binds ingredients and creates a firm, casserole-style texture
- 1/2 tsp salt: enhances overall flavor
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for layering): creates a gooey interior and crispy top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- In the same pot, melt butter over low-medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
- Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with salt. Stir the egg mixture into the macaroni and cheese until well combined.
- Pour half of the mixture into a 13″x9″ baking dish. Sprinkle with 1.5 cups of the remaining cheese.
- Add the remaining macaroni and cheese, then top with the final 1.5 cups of cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes or until golden and set.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Notes
- If baking from cold (refrigerated overnight), add 15–20 minutes to baking time.
- Use metal or disposable pans for make-ahead baking—avoid glass.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; if no liquid fills the hole, it’s done.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days and reheat covered in the oven for best results.
- Customize with different cheeses or added meats/vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe, Southern mac and cheese, creamy casserole, cheesy baked pasta, comfort food