This creamy four cheese baked mac and cheese is the BEST Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese you'll ever have! It's easy to make and comes together in under an hour. If you love a cheesy, easy, and incredibly flavorful mac and cheese, this recipe is for you!
Looking for some more soul food and comfort food recipes? Check out my Old Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes and my Grandma's Buttermilk Cornbread!
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Prepare to be whisked away on a journey of cheesy indulgence as we delve into the realm of macaroni and cheese where velvety, gooey cheese coats tender macaroni! As you break through the crispy top layer, the aroma of melted cheese dances in the air, teasing your senses and making your mouth water in anticipation.
I've been keeping this recipe in my back pocket for a rainy day. It's a classic southern baked mac and cheese recipe that's been in my family for years. (Thanks mom!) It's got the perfect combination of cheeses and is easily one of my favorite recipes!
Not only is this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe super simple to make but it's got the best combinations of cheese, is perfectly seasoned, and is perfect for any holiday! In addition, it's a great side dish and can easily double as a main course at the same time. Can we just have a moment of appreciation for the versatility of mac and cheese?
So, whether you savor it as a comforting side dish, a crowd-pleasing main course, or an indulgent late-night snack, let macaroni and cheese be your ultimate comfort food companion. Let its melty, cheesy embrace bring you warmth and joy, as you savor the simple yet extraordinary pleasure of this timeless classic.
Key Ingredients
The best part about this easy recipe is that it only requires a few simple ingredients. No need to make a cheese sauce, no velveeta cheese, just combine everything and bake it up!
- Elbow macaroni: I like using elbow or cavatappi noodles for an old fashioned macaroni. The cheese hugs every curve! However, any short cut pasta works.
- Heavy cream and Whole Milk: these two star ingredients mix together and make this mac creamy and rich. As the cheese melts in the oven and everything comes together, it forms its own cheesy sauce in the baking dish to make each spoonful decadent and cheesy.
The Cheeses
- Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: for that zingy, classic cheese flavor that we all love! If you prefer a less cheesy taste, you can use mild cheddar cheese instead.
- Asiago Cheese: it's one of my personal favorites. While not particularly an "old fashioned" cheese, it adds a nutty yet creamy flavor to this easy baked mac. You can use parmesan cheese if you're unable to find asiago.
- Colby Jack Cheese: for smooth yet tangy flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: for the epic cheese pull.
- Cream Cheese: to mellow out all of the other cheese and bring it all together.
The Seasonings
- Thyme
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Mustard
- Cayenne Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Salt and Black Pepper
Tips for Making the Best Macaroni and Cheese
- Grate your own cheese! Use block cheese and shred the cheese with a grater. Pre-shredded cheese is drier and tend to have additives to prevent the cheese from clumping. This may seem like a minuscule step but it makes the world of a difference!
- Don't overcook your pasta! Only cook pasta until it's al dente. If you cook the pasta as per normal, it'll be too soggy when you bake it in the oven!
- If you want a crispy top, broil the macaroni and cheese for about 2-3 minutes once it's done baking in the oven. The crispy top give it a really nice crust!
- Salt your pasta water! This enhances the flavor of the pasta! Also, do not rinse your pasta while draining. You want to keep all of the flavor in!
- Adjust the amount of salt as per your preference. Taste as your go and add salt as needed. Cheese is naturally salty so be mindful of this!
How to make Baked Mac and Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then cook macaroni/elbow pasta until according to package directions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Grate the cheeses, add to a large bowl and mix them together. Pour heavy cream, milk, and seasonings into the cheese mixture and mix together. (Image #1)
- Add cooked macaroni to a 9x13 baking dish and pour cheese mixture on top. Add cream cheese and sour cream to the macaroni mixture and mix together again (I use my hands). Sprinkle any leftover cheese and paprika (for color) on top on top and then bake for 35 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crunchy topping. (Image #2)
That's it. No, really, it's THAT simple. Baked Southern Mac and Cheese in under an hour?! Yes. Get ready for an EPIC cheese pull too.
Variations
- Make it spicy! Add a little red pepper, jalapenos, and/or hot sauce for a nice kick of spice! You can also add pepper jack for a little heat too.
- Add a protein - add bacon, pulled pork, or even your favorite seafood.
- Add breadcrumbs - Use panko bread crumbs and make a crunchy topping for this simple mac. Some people even top their mac with ritz crackers.
- Gluten Free option - use your favorite gluten free noodles for a gluten free dish.
- Mix up the cheeses - try. adding smoked gouda for a touch of smoky flavor. American cheese and monterey jack are also delicious cheeses to add to this recipe as well.
What to eat with Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of delicious accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions for what to eat with mac and cheese:
- Brioche Dinner Rolls
- Candied Yams
- Seafood Boil
- Brussels Sprouts
- Low Country Boil
- Salmon New Orleans
- Collard Greens
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
Storing: This mac and cheese recipe is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days - that is of course if it even lasts that long. I'm telling you, everyone will be devouring this recipe!
Freezing: To freeze it, add to an airtight container that's freezer safe and store for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it again, let it thaw completely and heat in the microwave or stovetop in a large saucepan.
Reheating: If heating on the stovetop, as it warms, you can add a little bit of milk for added creaminess to give it that "fresh out of the oven" taste.
More Soul Food Recipes
Recipe FAQs
Cheddar is the best! Followed by mozzarella, parmesan, and colby jack. These are all exceptionally good melting cheeses with a lot of flavor.
Reheat the mac and cheese over low heat in a nonstick pan. As it warms, slowly add milk and stir together. The milk will loosen up the cheese and make it creamy again.
Bake the mac and cheese uncovered to get a nice crunchy top. If you prefer mac and cheese without that cheesy crisp coating, you can bake it covered with aluminum foil.
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Let's stay connected on social media and continue to cook together! Also, if you decide to make this recipe, please leave a star rating on the recipe card and leave a comment below! Tag @BritneyBreaksBread on Instagram and hashtag #britneybreaksbread so I can see your creations! I hope that you love this recipe as much as we do!
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Equipment
- 9x13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 16 oz Macaroni/Elbow Pasta
- 4 oz Asiago Cheese or Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz Mozzarella (shredded)
- 16 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz Colby Jack (shredded)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (stems removed)
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Mustard
- ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- 8 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- Salt and Pepper, as desired
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Boil pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheeses and pour in heavy cream and milk. Add thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, cayenne, black pepper, and nutmeg and stir together.
- Add macaroni to a 9x13 baking dish and pour cheese/milk mixture on top. Add sour cream and cream cheese to the baking dish and mix together until evenly distributed throughout. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Bake for 35 minutes. For a browned top, broil for 2-3 minutes.
Watch The Video
Notes
- Grate your own cheese! Use block cheese and shred the cheese with a grater. Pre-shredded cheese is drier and tend to have additives to prevent the cheese from clumping. This may seem like a minuscule step but it makes the world of a difference!
- Don't overcook your pasta! Only cook pasta until it's al dente. If you cook the pasta as per normal, it'll be too soggy when you bake it in the oven!
- If you want a crispy top, broil the macaroni and cheese for about 2-3 minutes once it's done baking in the oven. The crispy top give it a really nice crust!
- When boiling pasta, add salt to your water. This enhances the flavor of the pasta! Also, do not rinse your pasta while draining. You want to keep all of the flavor in!
- Adjust the amount of salt as per your preference. Taste as your go and add salt as needed. Cheese is naturally salty so be mindful of this!
How much sour cream?
1/4 cup
Great recipe! It came out super cheesy and creamy. 5 stars all around.
This recipe was easy to make and is delicious! It was a hit with my family!
I'm so glad to hear that, thank you for your feedback!
This was SO GOOD! I made a dish and my partner immediately came into the kitchen and took half (of the 9x13 pan. I am not kidding. It is that good.) I've already sent it to several friends!
Run, do not walk, to the grocery store for these ingredients. Don't bother with those other mac and cheese recipes, either- this is your new go-to. I promise.
Thank you so much Kandyce! I really am so happy that you enjoyed this recipe, it's my fave mac and cheese!
Thank you so much for this delicious baked mac and cheese recipe! I never thought to add cream cheese to it, and now that I've made yours, I will be doing this over an over again. I LOVE the addition of the Colby Jack and Asiago cheese too, wow this recipe is top notch!
Thank you Morgan!!
Britney thank you so much for this recipe. I struggled to make macaroni and cheese for years, then I made this recipe and was redeemed!! I loved it, my nieces and nephews loved it, and on top of that - the five cheeses you picked compliment each other so well.
It took some time to perfect the recipe so I'm glad that you loved it!
Nothing beats a good mac n’ cheese. This is one of the best recipes I have ever had yet. It was perfectly creamy and cheesy. I have saved this recipe for later!
The pinch of nutmeg was unexpected but just perfect. My whole family enjoyed this mac and cheese!
Wow, this mac and cheese was so creamy. Really simple ingredients and easy to make. I made this for a family event and it was devoured in minutes. Will definitely be making this again.
Such cheesy goodness! Thank you for all the helpful tips and easy-to-follow instructions! My family could not stop raving about how good the mac and cheese was! I shared your recipe with everyone and now they want to make it too!