Creamy Dreamy Super Cheesy Mac & Cheese

Your family will LOVE this Creamy Dreamy Super Cheesy Mac & Cheese featuring Gruyère, cheddar, and Velveeta cheese to make THE BEST rich and savory cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this classic pasta dish is ideal for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying dish!

It’s the season for all things comfort, so also make sure to check out our Tuna Casserole, Sloppy Joes, and Spaghetti and Meatballs for more soul-hugging recipes.

Okay, I’ll admit it – I love Kraft Mac & Cheese. It’s so institutional and unnaturally colored, and also delicious. BUT, I also love a good homemade mac and cheese.

Rich and creamy with just a little crust on top. This recipe is the result of a lot of experimentation (no hardship eating all of those experimental batches).

I’ve always had trouble getting a smooth cheese sauce that’s not grainy or curdled. This method works best for me and produces a smooth sauce that’s ready for your macaroni. You’ll love it! Simply heat the two liquids for the sauce together with some cream cheese and add that to a basic roux.

a bowl with cheesy mac and cheese served in a small bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Mac & Cheese Recipe

The DREAMIEST Cheese Sauce: The winning combination of Velveeta, Gruyère and sharp cheddar creates a creamy, gooey, and complex cheese sauce that makes this recipe the BEST Mac & Cheese. Gruyère adds a nutty depth, while sharp cheddar offers a tangy bite, and Velveeta brings a super-smooth texture. It can’t get better!
Secret addition: Cream Cheese: I like to add some cream cheese into the sauce. It thickens it but also adds a subtle tanginess which we LOVE and an ultra-creamy consistency.
Broth and Milk Base: Starting the cheese sauce with a blend of chicken broth and milk adds more flavor than using milk alone. This also prevents the sauce from feeling too heavy.

a bowl of mac and cheese with a forkful of mac and cheese being held into the camera.

Ingredients Needed

Elbow Macaroni or Other Pasta: Elbow pasta is the classic option but you could use penne or shells.
Chicken Broth & Milk: These create a flavorful and creamy base for the cheese sauce.
Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a subtle tang.
Butter & Flour (Roux): The classic combination to thicken a sauce.
Dry Mustard, Onion Powder, Garlic Salt, Ground Pepper: These spices add depth and enhance the savory flavors of the cheese.
Velveeta, Gruyère, Sharp Cheddar, Parmesan Cheese: My favorite blend of cheeses that provides a balance of creamy, nutty, sharp, and salty flavors.

How to Make Cheesy Mac & Cheese

Making this mac and cheese recipe is SO simple and you don’t need any advanced cooking skills, really ( don’t be intimidated by fancy words like “roux”)! This never-fail recipe brings together a few basic ingredients and you’ll end up with a rich and creamy comfort food dish the whole family will LOVE. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave classic good old comfort food! For the full printable recipe, check out the recipe card at the end of this post.

Preheat oven to 350. Spray an 8-inch baking pan or 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a medium-sized pot, bring 6 cups of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions to just al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water; drain pasta and set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat chicken broth, milk, and cream cheese over medium heat until simmering, stirring occasionally.

base for mac and cheese sauce being stirred in a small pot.

three different grated cheeses being stirred into cheese base sauce to make mac and cheese.

In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until melted. Add flour and whisk to combine. Continue to heat over medium heat until the flour mixture becomes golden brown.
Slowly add the broth/milk mixture to the roux while constantly whisking. Cream cheese may not be fully melted, but will smooth out when added to the flour mixture. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and beginning to thicken.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add all the cheeses. Whisk until all cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.

cooked elbow pasta being stirred into cheese sauce.

mac and cheese in a casserole dish, sprinkled with parmesan cheese ready to be baked.

Add cheese sauce to drained pasta. The mixture should be fairly runny. If the sauce is too thick, use a little pasta water to thin.
Pour macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Helpful Tips

Grate Your Own Cheese: Grating fresh cheese gives you a creamier and more flavorful sauce.
Save Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed. A tiny splash can make the sauce smoother and help it cling better to the pasta.
Full-Fat = Full Flavor: I recommend you use full-fat milk, cream cheese, and cheese. Mac and Cheese is no diet food and will never be so we rather use the full-fat version for that amazing flavor we crave and maybe just have a moderate serving and a side salad.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground pepper tastes much better than pre-ground and will really elevate your mac and cheese.

Storage Information

Refrigerator: Cool mac and cheese to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For keeping this in the freezer, cool it completely, store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze it for up to 2 months.

Make-Ahead: You can make this ahead of time. Make the recipe until step 8 and store it in the fridge overnight. Maybe just make sure to just parboil the pasta, so cook it a bit shorter than normal. Since Velveeta contains sodium citrate it can help prevent the cheese sauce from breaking when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Salad: Pair with a fresh, crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Top with Crumbled Bacon: Why not add a sprinkle of crispy cooked bacon on top for an extra boost of flavor and crunch?
Accompany with Steamed Vegetables: Complement with a serving of steamed broccoli or some green beans for a nutritious and healthy side.

freshly baked mac and cheese in a white casserole dish cooling on a cooling rack.

Variations

Add a bit of grated nutmeg to the cheese sauce.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir in some leftover shredded cooked chicken and a splash of buffalo sauce for a delicious twist on this recipe.
Bacon and Chive Mac and Cheese: Mix in crispy bacon bits and some chopped chives right before baking for a smoky and savory twist.
Make it Crispy: I like to top my mac and cheese with parmesan. If you like a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use pasta shapes like penne, or shells. Just ensure your pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.

Can I add some extra ingredients?

Of course! Feel free to mix in yummy extras like cooked bacon, chopped vegetables, or even some seafood like shrimp or lobster.

How do I ensure the top gets crispy?

For a crispy top, sprinkle with some breadcrumbs, like panko, before baking and broil for a few minutes to achieve a golden crust.

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