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 so comforting about a classic, creamy, and golden-topped mac and cheese. This Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is that perfect blend of ooey-gooey cheese with a crunchy crust that just melts your worries away. Honestly, once you make it, it’s hard to go back to the boxed stuff.

This image shows a close-up of a cheesy macaroni dish being lifted with a wooden spoon. The dish has about three layers: the top layer is a golden-brown breadcrumb crust with crunchy texture; below it is a thick layer of yellow-orange melted cheddar cheese mixed with creamy white cheese sauce covering elbow macaroni pasta; the bottom layer appears to be a mixture of cheese sauce and pasta with a soft texture. Some cheese strings are stretching from the main dish to the spoon, showing melted cheese pull. The background surface is a white marbled texture. 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

This Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe has been my go-to comfort dish for years. It’s rich but balanced, easy enough for weeknights, and always impresses when friends come over. Plus, it’s packed with sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese - that combo is game-changing.

Ultimate cheesiness: The blend of sharp cheddar and Swiss guarantees bold, melty flavor in every bite.
Perfect crispy topping: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter create a golden, crunchy finish you’ll look forward to.
Secret ingredient: Adding sour cream makes this mac and cheese uniquely creamy and tangy, elevating it beyond the usual.
Family-friendly and adaptable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a vital role. From pasta that holds the sauce beautifully to cheeses that melt and flavor the dish perfectly, knowing what to pick and why can really boost your confidence in the kitchen.

Flat lay of dry elbow macaroni in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter sticks on a white plate, a small white bowl of minced yellow onion, a small white bowl of minced garlic cloves, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of sour cream, a white plate with freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a white plate with freshly shredded Swiss cheese, a small white bowl of Panko breadcrumbs, a sprinkle of kosher salt next to a small pile of garlic powder, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley arranged beautifully on simple white ceramic dishes, 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 shape traps cheese sauce inside, giving you gooey bites every time.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level precisely without surprises.
Minced onion and garlic: They add a subtle, savory depth that lifts the flavor beyond just cheese.
All-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce into a smooth, luscious cheese base without lumps.
Whole milk: Room temperature milk blends seamlessly into the roux, preventing clumps and ensuring creaminess.
Sour cream: The secret ingredient – it adds tang and richness, making the mac and cheese stand out.
Sharp cheddar cheese: For that classic bold cheese flavor with great melting quality.
Swiss cheese: Adds a slightly nutty, creamy balance for complexity.
Panko breadcrumbs: They create a light, crispy topping that's a must-have crunch contrast.
Kosher salt and garlic powder: Simple seasonings that sharpen the overall taste.
Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal freshness.

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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 how this Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe invites you to make it your own. Sometimes I toss in crispy bacon or swap out the cheeses for something creamier or sharper depending on the mood. You should definitely experiment to find your favorite twist.

Variation: I’ve tried adding a handful of cooked broccoli or caramelized onions to sneak in some veggies—both add great texture and flavor.
Dietary swaps: Using lactose-free milk or vegan cheese alternatives can work but may need adjustments to the thickening step for best texture.
Spicy kick: A pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce added to the cheese sauce gives a nice warmth.

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

Two white plates each hold a serving of creamy macaroni and cheese, with a golden-brown melted topping that adds a crunchy texture. The pasta is light yellow and baked unevenly, with some pieces browned more than others. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top for a fresh look. Each plate has a gold fork resting near the pasta, one held by a woman's hand. Nearby are two small wooden bowls, one with chopped green herbs and the other with black pepper. A white and gray striped cloth is partly folded on a white marbled surface beneath the plates and bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Boil Your Macaroni Al Dente

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente, usually about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. This way, the pasta won’t turn mushy after baking. Drain and set aside while you prepare the cheesy sauce.

Step 2: Make the Rich Cheese Sauce

Melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat, then sauté minced onion and garlic until fragrant and soft (about 2-3 minutes). Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to cook out the raw taste, usually for about 2 minutes. Slowly add the warm whole milk, whisking to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens — it should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, then stir in the sour cream for that secret creamy punch. Now, fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese until melted and silky smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Pour into Baking Dish

Mix your cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated, then pour everything into a greased baking dish. This stage is where you ensure every pasta is generously covered in that gorgeous cheese mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping and Bake

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and toss it with 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this all over the mac and cheese. Then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it so the topping doesn’t burn – every oven’s a bit different.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve realized a few tricks that always help my Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe turn out perfectly every single time, even when I’m juggling a busy weeknight.

Warm milk and sour cream: Adding these at room temperature keeps the sauce smooth and prevents lumps.
Don’t overcook pasta initially: It will keep cooking in the oven, so stopping at al dente is key.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltiness.
Watch the baking time: Remove the dish as soon as the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbly to avoid dryness.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top right after baking — not just for color, but it adds a nice, mildly fresh contrast to the rich cheese. Sometimes a few cracked black pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika brings a subtle smoky heat that I adore.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. I also love serving it alongside roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or a simple garlic bread to satisfy carb cravings even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. It’s a hit at parties because everyone gets their own bubbling hot dish, and they look fancy without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cheese sauce will firm up but don’t worry—that’s normal!

Freezing

Freezing mac and cheese can be tricky, but I’ve had good luck freezing it before baking. Just cover tightly in foil, and when you want to cook it, thaw overnight and add extra baking time until bubbly and hot.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too but the texture isn’t as nice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of cheese is best for baked mac and cheese?

A combination of sharp cheddar and Swiss cheese works wonderfully—they melt well and create layers of flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses because they often contain additives that prevent smooth melting.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold going into the oven.

What’s the secret ingredient in this mac and cheese recipe?

The secret ingredient is sour cream—it adds tang and creaminess that elevates the dish beyond typical baked mac and cheese recipes. It keeps the sauce silky and adds depth to the flavor.

How do I get a crispy topping without it getting burnt?

Mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter helps them toast evenly and protects them from burning. Also, watch the dish during the last 5 minutes of baking and loosely tent foil on top if the topping is browning too quickly.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe has such a special place in my heart—and my family’s dinner rotation—because it’s both comfort and celebration in one dish. It’s rich, soulful, yet incredibly easy to pull together. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be sharing it with friends and making it again and again. Give it a try and get ready to savor every cheesy bite.