Name: Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound dry elbow macaroni (1 box); 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅝ stick); ¼ cup minced onion; 2 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3¼ cups whole milk (room temperature); ½ cup sour cream (room temperature); 4 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups freshly shredded Swiss cheese; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick); 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, golden casserole bubbling with cheese—and this Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe nails that cozy feeling every single time. It’s that perfect balance of creamy, gooey pasta smothered in rich cheeses with a crunchy, buttery crust on top that makes it truly unforgettable.

The dish is a close-up view of macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It shows one scoop lifted by a wooden spoon, revealing three layers: a top layer of golden brown, crunchy breadcrumbs; a middle layer of bright orange melted cheese; and a bottom layer of pale yellow macaroni mixed with creamy cheese sauce. The textures look soft and gooey under the crunchy topping, with strands of melted cheese stretching from the scoop back into the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m personally obsessed with this Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe because it hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of crispy on top. Plus, it’s comforting without being complicated, making it perfect for evenings when you want something indulgent but doable.

Ultimate Creaminess: The combination of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheeses gives a deeply flavorful sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
Crunchy Topping: The panko breadcrumb crust with melted butter is pure magic—a crispy contrast you’ll crave every time.
Secret Ingredient: Adding sour cream brings an unexpected tang and extra richness, elevating it beyond the usual mac and cheese.
Simple Yet Showstopping: It uses everyday ingredients but feels special—great for family dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe honestly shines because all the ingredients play off one another beautifully. You'll want to use quality cheese and fresh milk for the best flavor and creaminess. Trust me on the sour cream—it’s a game changer that keeps the sauce luscious.

Flat lay of a small pile of dry elbow macaroni, two uncracked brown eggs, a small mound of minced fresh onion, two peeled garlic cloves, a small handful of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a generous heap of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a separate heap of freshly shredded Swiss cheese, two small white ceramic bowls with unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with Panko breadcrumbs, a pinch of kosher salt in a tiny white ceramic bowl, a pinch of garlic powder in another tiny white ceramic bowl, a few bright sprigs of chopped fresh parsley scattered nearby, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice because its little curves hold onto the cheesy sauce perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning and keeps the flavors clean and rich.
Minced Onion & Garlic: These add a subtle savory base that deepens the cheese sauce flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the cheese sauce just right, turning milk into a silky béchamel.
Whole Milk: Using whole milk instead of low-fat makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
Sour Cream: This secret weapon adds tang and richness, preventing the sauce from feeling flat or heavy.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For bold, tangy cheese flavor that everyone loves.
Swiss Cheese: Adds nuttiness and meltiness, balancing the sharp cheddar.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Gives the final crust its irresistible crunch and golden color.
Kosher Salt & Garlic Powder: Key seasoning that brings out and enhances the cheesy goodness.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Optional but freshens and adds a nice color pop at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this recipe depending on my mood or who I’m feeding. You can easily adapt it—maybe throw in some crispy bacon bits or swap one of the cheeses for pepper jack if you want a kick.

Variation: Adding cooked, diced chicken or broccoli turns this mac and cheese into a more filling meal. I once added sautéed mushrooms and it made the dish earthy and hearty without overpowering the cheese.
Dairy-Free Option: You can use non-dairy milk and vegan cheese, but I’d recommend a creamy cashew-based sour cream substitute to maintain richness.
Spicy Kick: Stir in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a warming edge that wakes up the classic flavors.
Gluten-Free: Simply swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs so everyone can indulge.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Two white plates with a light golden baked pasta dish, each plate holding a serving of curly elbow macaroni covered in creamy melted cheese with a slightly browned, crispy top layer. Small bits of chopped green herbs are scattered on top for color contrast. Each plate has a gold fork resting on it. Around the plates, there are two wooden bowls, one filled with green chopped herbs and the other with black pepper. A white and gray striped cloth is placed next to the right plate on top of a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni Just Right

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni in salted water until it’s just al dente. You want a slight bite here because it’ll continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can get mushy under all that luscious cheese.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic for Depth

In a large saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add your minced onions and garlic, cooking gently until fragrant and translucent—this builds the savory foundation for the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Whisk in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to form a roux. Then gradually add the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once thickened, take off the heat and stir in the sour cream, then fold in shredded sharp cheddar and Swiss until silky and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish

Toss the cooked pasta into your cheese sauce, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Pour everything into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly to prepare for the perfect golden crust.

Step 5: Finish with a Golden, Crispy Topping

Melt the remaining butter and mix it with panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this topping generously over the mac and cheese, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until the topping is beautifully browned and crisp.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe countless times, and a few simple tricks make all the difference between good and unforgettable. Paying attention to texture and seasoning really makes it sing.

Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour with butter before adding milk prevents a grainy sauce and ensures smooth, luscious texture.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that stop it from melting as nicely—freshly shred it yourself for the creamiest sauce.
Let Your Mac and Cheese Rest: After baking, allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes so the sauce firms up slightly and doesn’t runny when you dig in.
Control Your Bake Time: Keep an eye on the topping during the last few minutes to avoid burning, especially if your oven runs hot.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right before serving—not only does it look lovely against that golden crust, but it also adds a fresh, bright note to balance the richness. Sometimes I even add a pinch of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of truffle oil for a little luxury boost.

Side Dishes

This dish is so hearty it can stand on its own, but I love pairing it with something green and crisp like a simple arugula salad or roasted Brussels sprouts to cut through all that cheese. For a dinner party, grilled sausages or a fresh tomato salad add a nice contrast too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake individual portions in cute ramekins topped with breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of paprika for color. It makes the meal feel more personal and festive. Another idea is scooping it into hollowed-out mini bell peppers or squash for colorful edible bowls that impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mac and cheese keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool completely before sealing to keep condensation from making it soggy.

Freezing

Freezing baked mac and cheese works great too! I cool it completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It’s best eaten within 1-2 months for maximum flavor, though.

Reheating

To reheat, I uncover the container and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. This helps keep the topping crisp. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine but you might lose a bit of that crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of pasta in this Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic because it holds sauce well, you can swap it for shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time to keep the pasta al dente before baking.

What makes this Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe so creamy?

The secret is the combination of a roux-based cheese sauce made with whole milk and the addition of sour cream, which adds tang and richness. Using freshly shredded cheese also melts better, ensuring a creamy consistency.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta a day in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving. This saves time on busy days and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How do I get a crispy topping without burning it?

Keep a close eye on the baking time, especially during the last 5 minutes. If the breadcrumbs brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent burning while allowing the macaroni and cheese to cook through.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years because it’s reliable, delicious, and downright addictive. I genuinely believe anyone can make it shine with a bit of care and attention. So grab your favorite baking dish and give it a try—you’ll be thanking me with every ooey-gooey bite!