Name: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: For the pasta: 16 oz Cellentani noodles (or macaroni noodles); Water for boiling; Pinch of salt; For the sauce: 1 stick salted butter, softened and cubed; 1 cup sour cream; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; 12 oz evaporated milk; 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed; For the cheese blend: 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s mac and cheese. Whether it’s a nostalgic reminder of childhood dinners or your go-to indulgence on a chilly evening, there’s no denying its universal appeal. This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese takes everything you love about the classic and elevates it to the next level—think luscious Velveeta sauce, a golden cheese crust, and perfectly tender noodles. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any mac and cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy perfection baked to golden-bubbly bliss. What makes it special? The combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta cheese creates a rich, multi-layered flavor. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s versatile—dress it up for a holiday dinner or keep it casual for family movie night.

Let’s start by gathering our ingredients and prepping the first steps. Trust me, this will be the kind of mac and cheese people beg you to make again and again.

Prepping the Base: Pasta Perfection

The foundation of great mac and cheese lies in the pasta. For this recipe, Cellentani noodles take center stage. Their corkscrew shape is ideal for holding onto all that velvety cheese sauce. Don’t have Cellentani? No worries—macaroni noodles or even penne work just as well.

1️⃣ Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the pasta and cook until it’s tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). This step is crucial because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven later. Overcooked noodles = mushy mac and cheese, and no one wants that! Once done, drain the pasta and transfer it to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

A Cheese Lover’s Dream: Prepping the Cheeses

While the pasta is bubbling away, it’s time to prepare the stars of the show: the cheeses. This recipe uses a combination of:

Sharp Cheddar: Adds bold, tangy notes.
Monterey Jack: Offers creaminess with a subtle flavor.
Velveeta: The secret to that silky-smooth sauce you’ll be dreaming about.

👉 Tip: Grate your cheddar and Monterey Jack fresh! Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts.

Crafting the Velvety Cheese Sauce

Once your cheeses are ready, it’s time to create the luscious Velveeta sauce. Here’s how:

Melt the Velveeta: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk and cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir constantly as the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Pro tip: Don’t rush this step—low and slow ensures a perfectly creamy consistency.
Set Aside: Once the sauce is ready, remove it from heat and keep it warm. Trust me, this step is the secret to achieving that restaurant-quality texture.

Combining Flavors: The Pasta Mix-In

Now, let’s take that humble pot of cooked noodles and transform it into something spectacular.

Mix the Base: Add the sour cream, softened butter cubes, and seasonings (salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika) directly into the warm pasta. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in buttery, creamy goodness.
Incorporate the Cheese Blend: Take half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack and fold it into the pasta mixture. The heat from the noodles will begin to melt the cheese, creating pockets of gooey deliciousness.

Assembling and Baking Your Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

By now, your kitchen should smell like buttery pasta and melted cheese—basically heaven, right? In this part, we’ll take all those perfectly prepped ingredients and bring them together to create a masterpiece. Plus, I’ll share a few insider tips to make sure your mac and cheese turns out creamy, golden, and downright irresistible.

Building Layers of Cheesy Goodness

This is where the magic happens! We’ve prepped the pasta, blended it with butter, sour cream, and seasonings, and started incorporating the shredded cheeses. Now it’s time to add that rich, velvety Velveeta sauce and create the ultimate cheesy base.

1️⃣ Pour in the Velveeta Sauce

Grab that luscious Velveeta sauce you melted earlier and slowly pour it over the pasta mixture in your baking dish. As you pour, use a spatula to gently stir everything together. You want every single noodle to be coated in creamy goodness. Pro tip: Add the sauce gradually and stir as you go. This helps ensure an even distribution of cheesy flavor.

2️⃣ More Cheese, Please!

Once the Velveeta sauce is mixed in, sprinkle the remaining half of your shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses across the top. This step is key for achieving that golden, bubbly crust we all know and love. Plus, the blend of sharp and creamy cheeses adds layers of flavor in every bite.

👉 Optional Add-Ins for a Twist:

Crumbled Bacon: Add a smoky crunch by sprinkling cooked bacon pieces between the layers or on top before baking.
Jalapeños: Thinly sliced for a little kick.
Breadcrumbs: For a crispier topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the shredded cheese.

The Golden Bake: Turning Simple Ingredients into Comfort Food Gold

Now that your dish is layered to perfection, it’s time to bake it to bubbly, cheesy heaven.

3️⃣ Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already. Place your baking dish on the center rack and bake for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last five minutes—what you’re looking for is a lightly golden top and bubbling edges. This means the cheese is perfectly melted and the flavors have come together.

👉 Pro Tip: If you love a slightly crispier crust, switch your oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes. Just be careful not to let it burn!

Resting (Yes, It’s Worth It!)

Once your Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This gives the dish time to settle, making it easier to serve and ensuring every bite is as creamy as possible.

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese is the perfect side dish, but honestly, it can hold its own as a main course. Serve it alongside these ideas for a truly comforting meal:

With BBQ: Pair it with pulled pork, grilled ribs, or smoked brisket for a backyard feast.
With Veggies: Balance out the richness with roasted broccoli, a simple side salad, or sautéed greens.
As a Standalone: Just grab a fork, because this dish is hearty enough to be a meal in itself!

Make It Ahead or Store Leftovers

Want to prepare this dish ahead of time or make sure leftovers stay just as delicious? Here’s how:

Make Ahead: Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if needed.
Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.

FAQ and Bringing It All Together

Congratulations! Your Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is golden, bubbly, and ready to wow everyone at the table. But before we wrap up, let’s address some common questions about this recipe, so you can tackle any mac and cheese scenario like a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While Cellentani or macaroni noodles are classics, you can use other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even shells. Just make sure the pasta has ridges or a shape that can hold onto all that cheesy sauce.

2️⃣ What’s the best way to make it creamier?

The combination of Velveeta and evaporated milk creates a creamy sauce, but for an extra silky texture, add ½ cup of heavy cream or substitute cream cheese for some of the sour cream. Stir well to avoid lumps.

3️⃣ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the pasta for a gluten-free version, and ensure that the spices and evaporated milk you use are labeled gluten-free. For the topping, you can skip breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free alternative.

4️⃣ Can I add protein or veggies to this dish?

Of course! Add cooked shredded chicken, crumbled sausage, or even lobster for a gourmet twist. For veggies, mix in sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or caramelized onions before baking.

5️⃣ How can I prevent the cheese sauce from being grainy?

The key is low and steady heat when melting the Velveeta and mixing in the shredded cheese. Avoid putting the pan back over direct heat after adding the cheese, as high heat can cause it to separate or clump.

6️⃣ Can I freeze mac and cheese?

Yes, but the texture might change slightly. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

7️⃣ How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Add a tablespoon of milk or cream to each serving and reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

The Cheesy Conclusion

And there you have it—the creamiest, dreamiest baked mac and cheese you’ll ever make! This dish combines all the best parts of a classic comfort food: tender pasta, a rich and flavorful cheese sauce, and a golden bubbly topping that’s practically begging to be dug into.

Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a holiday side dish, or just to treat yourself, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—you can keep it simple or customize it with your favorite add-ins and toppings.

I’d love to hear how your mac and cheese adventure turns out! Did you stick with the classic recipe, or did you add your own twist? Let me know in the comments below or tag me on social media with your cheesy creations. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who could use a little extra comfort food in their lives. Until next time, happy cooking—and even happier eating!