Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese

Say hello to ultimate comfort food. This baked mac & cheese is creamy, cheesy, and golden on top, with just the right amount of gooey indulgence in every bite. It’s the most requested recipe when baked for a crowd! Add bacon, chicken, or veggies if you like, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving cheesy perfection. Thank you Dana Aadland for the recipe!

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

16 oz Al Dente Cooked Macaroni Noodles

16 oz Velveeta Cheese, Cubed

¾ Cup Shaved Parmesan Cheese

4 oz Freshly Shredded Colby Jack Cheese

2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream

½ Tsp Onion Powder

½ Tsp Garlic Powder

½ Tsp Salt

½ Tsp Black Pepper

Optional Seasonings:

Cayenne Pepper, To Taste

Optional Add-Ins:

Cooked Bacon, Chopped

Cooked Chicken, Diced

Cooked Ground Hamburger

Cooked Vegetables

Bread Crumbs, For Topping

Instructions:

Preheat the broiler and lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the Heavy Whipping Cream, Velveeta Cheese, and Parmesan Cheese. Stir frequently until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Stir in the Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper. Add Cayenne Pepper if desired.

Add the cooked Macaroni Noodles to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Fold in any optional add-ins at this time.

Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the Colby Jack Cheese and top with Bread Crumbs, if using.

Broil on high for 2–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

Prepare the recipe through Step 5, but do not broil.Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil, then broil for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the topping.

Freezer Instructions:

To Freeze Before Baking:

Prepare the mac and cheese through Step 5 (do not broil). Let the dish cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To Bake From Frozen:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove plastic wrap, keep foil on. Bake covered for 45–50 minutes, or until hot in the center. Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the top. If needed, stir in ¼–½ cup milk or cream before baking to loosen the sauce.