How to make the Easiest Creamiest and Cheesiest Oven-Baked Mac & Cheese
How to make the EASIEST Creamiest and Cheesiest Oven-Baked MAC & CHEESE is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 4 min | Total: 1 hr 29 min
Cost: $8.40 total, $1.40 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (uncooked, about 2 cups)
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 5 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for the roux)
- 3 cups Heavy Cream (full‑fat for maximum creaminess)
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar, freshly grated)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (part‑skim, freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- ½ tsp Paprika (sweet paprika)
- 1 tsp Cooking Spray (to grease the baking dish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 8‑10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Drain and Set Aside
Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and set it aside. Do not rinse.
Time: PT2M
Make the Roux
Return the empty pot to the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and melt completely. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, and flour. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and smells nutty.
Time: PT4M
Add Cream and Milk
Slowly pour in the heavy cream followed by the milk while whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until each addition is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Time: PT3M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Turn off the heat. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Preheat the Oven
While the sauce is finishing, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Assemble in Baking Dish
Lightly spray the baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon half of the macaroni‑cheese mixture into the dish, sprinkle with a handful of shredded cheese, then add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15‑18 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: cavatappi, penne
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil (for roux)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, whole milk + butter
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: colby jack, aged gouda
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, monterey jack
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
- Instead of Cooking Spray: butter, vegetable oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Baking Dish (13×9 inch)
- Spatula
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Creating a smooth roux without lumps.
- Thickening the cheese sauce to the right consistency before adding cheese.
- Baking until the top is golden but not burnt.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for depth of flavor and stretch.
- Grate the cheese yourself; pre‑shredded cheese contains anti‑caking agents that can affect smoothness.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle warmth.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is lumpy after adding flour.
Whisk vigorously while adding the flour to the melted butter, ensuring a smooth paste before any liquid is added.
Sauce is too thin after simmering.
Continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until it reduces and coats the back of a spoon. If still thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in.
Top cheese burns before the interior is hot.
Cover the dish loosely with foil halfway through baking, then remove foil for the last 5 minutes to brown.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 20‑25 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 5, let it cool, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat before mixing with pasta.
- Assemble the casserole (steps 8‑9) ahead of time, cover tightly, and bake directly from the fridge; add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy baked macaroni and cheese in American cuisine?
Macaroni and cheese originated in Europe but became an iconic comfort food in the United States during the 19th century, especially after Thomas Jefferson popularized pasta. The baked version emerged in the early 1900s as a hearty, inexpensive dish served in school cafeterias and family gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of macaroni and cheese in the United States?
In the South, a buttery crust of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers is common, while New England often uses a creamy béchamel base with sharp cheddar. Some regions add jalapeños, lobster, or smoked pork for local flair.
How is homemade baked macaroni and cheese traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot as a main course or side, often accompanied by a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or cornbread. It’s a staple at potlucks, holiday meals, and casual family dinners.
What occasions or celebrations is baked macaroni and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Baked mac and cheese is a popular dish for back‑to‑school lunches, family game nights, Thanksgiving side tables, and community fundraisers because it feeds a crowd and can be made ahead.
What makes this creamy baked macaroni and cheese special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
The recipe uses a rich combination of heavy cream, milk, and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, creating an ultra‑creamy sauce that stays silky even after baking, unlike many stovetop‑only versions.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy baked macaroni and cheese?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy after baking; under‑cooking the roux, leading to a raw flour taste; and baking at too high a temperature, which can burn the cheese topping before the interior is hot.
Why does this recipe use a roux with butter and flour instead of a cornstarch slurry for thickening?
A butter‑flour roux provides a richer, velvety mouthfeel and adds a subtle nutty flavor that a cornstarch slurry cannot achieve, especially important for a luxurious cheese sauce.
Can I make this baked macaroni and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to step 8, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes. It also freezes well for up to two months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the baked macaroni and cheese is done?
The top should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp, while the interior remains creamy and the pasta should be tender but not mushy. A gentle jiggle in the center indicates the sauce is set but still molten.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia specialize in?
Cooking Con Claudia focuses on easy, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and step‑by‑step video tutorials designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Claudia emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, clear visual cues, and practical tips like how to avoid a gummy sauce, making classic dishes like mac and cheese accessible without fancy equipment or hard‑to‑find ingredients.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
