Super Creamy Mac and Cheese is insanely rich and delicious. One taste and you will be hooked. Whether eaten as a side or a main dish, this is a recipe you will want to make over and over. Three types of cheese give Super Creamy Mac and Cheese a whole lot of cheese flavor.
We have sharp cheddar (can you have mac and cheese without it?), wonderfully melty Monterey Jack, and last but not least – Velveeta.
I’m not a huge fan of Velveeta but there’s no question it gives mac and cheese a velvety texture that is hard to achieve any other way.
Wonderfully cheesy and totally indulgent.
Life should have more mac and cheese.
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This Super Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is incredibly rich and creamy. Three types of cheese give it plenty of cheese flavor.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 8 tablespoons Challenge butter (1 stick) cut into 1 tablespoon-sized pieces
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 8 ounces Velveeta cut into small cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a casserole dish. You can use a 9x13-inch or slightly smaller casserole dish.
- Cook pasta until just tender. It will cook more as it bakes. Drain pasta and return to pot. While pasta is still hot, add butter, and stir until butter is melted.
- Add the half-and-half to the pot, along with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack, the eggs, Velveeta, seasoned salt and pepper. Stir to mix well.
- Pour into prepared dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
Sharing this recipe with The Weekend Potluck.
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I plan on making this for a pot luck. I want to use non fat half and half and add bacon and artichoke hearts. What do you think??? I am also going to be using the Mexican Velveeta if I can find it and Gluten free pasta.
If I were to make this for a potluck, I would follow the directions.
Just made this for the Super Bowl, very disappointed!
I wanted to love this recipe because I make something similar with Velveeta but I just can’t. Followed recipe but added a bit more velveeta as other posters said it would make it more creamy. Wasn’t creamy in the least, pretty dry and had a slight grainy texture. I think it needs a bit more liquid and I think covering with foil might help keep moisture in.
This looks super good! Can I use regular whole milk instead of half and half? If so, How would I alter the recipe ? xox
Although I haven’t tried it myself, I think you can just sub milk for the half-and-half and not have any issues. Good luck!
I’ve been wanting a damn good recipe for a very long time and these are wonderful! Cheesy cheesy!! Thanks
With Mac and Cheese being my favorite food I am very picky with a lot of recipes. This one however was absolutely amazing, I added extra velveeta and it was so creamy and delicious. I highly recomend this dish to all the Mac and cheese lovers out there.
Use I can’t believe it’s not butter .
I just made this recipe and was a little dissapointed that it didn’t turn out creamy like the pictures. I have been trying to find a good creamy mac n cheese recipe and thought this may be it but the video and directions were a little deceiving. Since the cheeses weren’t completely melted into the half and half the mac n cheese looks lumpy and not creamy at all. I am not sure if others had this issue but I have had this issue with a different recipe befor too. I would suggest making sure to melt the sauce before pouring into the dish.
If you add extra velveeta it makes it a lot more creamier, heads up for next time 🙂
I just made this recipe and it turned out great I completely fixed the cheese sauce mixture by itself and substituted the Velveeta for 4 ounces of cream cheese added1 can evaporated milk instead of half and half. Stir until all cheese is melted then stir in noodles and bake.
Heat the milk and cheeses together before adding to pasta
3 cups grated cheese, 1 cup liquid (milk perhaps), 1 tsp sodium citrate. If you read up on sodium citrate, it emulsifies the cheese and makes a wonderful cheese sauce. Sodium citrate can be purchased on-line i.e. Amazon. I am surprised more people don’t know about it. When I mention it to people, they give me the stink eye.
I made this dish at Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. I want to make it again for Christmas. But I was wondering if it could be made the night before?
I’m making it the night before. Will put in the oven to bake in the morning after church. I would think it would be fine.
This entry is ableist against those whom don’t have a variety of casserole dish sizes— You don’t mention what size of dish ! And I cannot clearly tell how big it is in the video, which I had to mute to save my ears from the hyper ear-killing cuckoo clock music.
Do you HAVE to complain??? It’s Christmas! If you click on the full recipe, it will say 9×13.
You’re a very rude person.
9×13. It’s in the instructions.
Is it a pound of cooked or uncooked pasta?
Hi Victoria,
All recipes consider weight of pasta uncooked. 1 pound (500 grams) is a standard package of uncooked pasta.
When your cooking it, should you cook the Mac and Cheese in a casserole dish that is covered or uncovered?
I cook it uncovered.
I made this Mac and cheese for Thanksgiving. Everyone loved it. I heated up leftovers 3 days later and it was still moist. This is now my go to side dish!
That’s good to know it was still moist 3 days later Anita. I don’t think I’ve ever had any around for that long!
I made this and while everyone liked it, it was a little dry and clumpy, not as creamy as advertised. Im not sure what I did wrong, but when the velveeta wasn’t melting in the noodles I did heat it in the pot with all of the ingredients until all of the cheese was melted – then threw it in the oven.
Maybe I just needed to shorten the cooking time after heating it in the pot to melt the cheese, but something for other noob’s to consider.
You don’t need to melt all the Velveeta cubes before baking. It will melt all the way in the oven. Your can stir it up after your bake for a few mins and then add the cheese on top. Yours was definitely dry because you pan heated it first!
Can I add Ham pieces to this mac and cheese recipe ?
Yes, I think that would be delicious and a great way to use up leftover ham.
So this is the first Thanksgiving I’m hosting and was looking for the cheesiest & creamiest mac and cheese recipe and this sounds like a winner. By the description and all the comments I am extremely excited to see how it turns out. Thank you for what seems to be a quick, easy, amazing mac and cheese.
Do I bake it uncovered or should I put foil over it?
Just made this for Thanksgiving and my husband and mother had to taste test it and they are still talking about how good it is. That was before it went in the oven!!
Yay! Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving Anita!
Do you have to use the Challenge Butter
You can use any brand of butter Pamela.
If I am making double this would I double the time that I cook it?
Maybe add a few minutes on, but no need to double the cooking time.
I wanted to make this for thanksgiving for 8 people, but the men usually will go for seconds and thirds lol. Will this be enough or should I double the ingredients? And if I wanted to add a little pepper jack cheese for a little kick, how much cheese should I add?
Thanks!
If u heat up leftovers is it creamy or is it one big blob? Or do you add a little milk to help cream it up? Thanks
Leftovers should still be creamy once reheated, but not quite as creamy as when it is fresh. The pasta tends to soak up the liquid over time.
Would this be ok to make the day before?
Is the Challenge butter salted or unsalted? Or does it matter? 🙂
I use salted, but some people think this mac and cheese is a little on the salty side so I think it would be fine to use unsalted if that is what you have.
I was wondering if adding a little cream cheese to the recipe would work or not? Or does the velveeta alone add enough creaminess to it? Also, I see other recipes use Dijon mustard for a spice….what does mustard do to the flavor of mac and cheese? I thought about trying a little fresh garlic and then adding a topping to your recipe. I never made homemade mac and cheese before. I read a lot of different recipes…your recipe looks like something I would like. One more question….Can the recipe be halved? Serving size of 8 is way too much. But I do know some recipes don’t turn out if you half them.
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
The Velveeta does add plenty of creaminess, but I think someone had commented that they had used some cream cheese and they liked the way it tasted. You can definitely half the recipe. A little mustard will help add some flavor.
Good luck making your first homemade mac and cheese!
This recipe is similar to Sweetie Pies which is good. I’m going to make this one on Thanksgiving
What is Half and Half?
1/2 whole milk and 1/2 light cream, you can buy it by the milk, heavy cream and whipping cream or make it yourself. Can also use 3/4 c whole milk and 1/4 c heavy cream
Hope you enjoy!
If I wanted to make a day ahead. Should i bake then refrigerate or assemble….put in fridge as is and bake that day
I have the same question. I am going to a thanksgiving dinner and going to bring this but I work all day so I would like to prepare it ahead of time. What would be the best way to do so?
Somebody Please answer this question!
Right lol. I’m trying to decide if I should save time tomorrow by preparing this today. I see she answered a question above about it not being as creamy when it’s reheated. For that reason, I think I’ll prepare today and bake tomorrow. Wish me luck! 😉
You can assemble and back the next day. Just make sure it is cool before you put in the fridge.
I meant bake lol
you can assemble and bake the next day. make sure its cool.
You may prepare and bake right before. But if you do this cook the pasta a couple minutes less so that it’s not too tender and become mushy.
The Velveeta is not melted in at the same time as the other cheeses? It just goes into the oven cubed? into the over just cubed?
The macaroni should still be hot when you mix it in and it will mostly be melted before it goes in the oven.
This sounds easy to make , looks amazing ! Mac and cheese is one of my favorite meals! (Even at my age) 29?Haha.
Looks like I will have to run to the store for a couple ingrediance ! Thank you for posting this ! Yum
Mac and cheese is one of those kid foods you never out grow isn’t it?
We made this as a side dish to go with our filet mignons. This is a great recipe. If you haven’t tried it you should. Very easy.
It looks like you copied this recipe from Sweetie Pie’s in St. Louis. You should maybe give Miss Robbie credit since it’s her mother’s original recipe.
I believe her recipe is similar, but I’ve never made it before. I think that recipe uses evaporated milk instead of half-and-half and has sour cream in it.
This is not the same recipe. I’ve made hers before as well, but this one is much easier.
Sweet pie Mac and cheese is good just call for to much cheese I know because I have made it two time and u do have to put evaporated milk And sour cream I’m going to made this for Thanksgiving Because it don’t call for so much cheese we see how it turnturn out.
I have made this recipe and many more.
For over 25 years nothing to do with sweetie pies I just think it was passed on from generation to generation..
I will make it this year and will add to it and change a few thing’s about it.
What can I substitute the eggs (allergic) with?
Try egg substitute
I really love making this I add extra butter and one egg is really good I’m having it with dinner tonight gotta try it
YES
Do you cook the mac first
Yes. But it’s best to undercook it just slightly since it will cook more in the oven.
Did you boil the mac first
Can you substitute elbow pasta with something else? I don’t have elbow on hand. I have ziti, shells or ditalini…..or spahgetti….lol
Yes Kathy. You can use any pasta shape. 🙂
I will try this one on Thanksgiving!!!!!
Tried this recipe Sunday. Loooooved It. ?The true litmus test was my husband loving it too! He never eats my mac n’ cheese because its ” too stiff” he says. But he ate 2 helpings of this dish, however. Perfect combination of ingredients, this will be my new family fav. Thanks, Christin!!
Yay! So glad you and your husband enjoyed it Marcia!
This is a great recipe. I have it in the oven now. Only thing I added was about 1/3 cup of pulverized sweet onion…so it is more like a juicy pulp ( I put a few chunks in a small food processor),added it to butter and melted and then poured over macaroni. Every time I make Mac and Chz I get rave reviews…I believe it is the addition of the onion flavor. You cannot tell it is onion, but it adds something to the cheese. I add it this way to my cheese enchiladas too.
Very good indeed but my cheese curdled and don’t know why. Help
You could, but it will not be the same and it will cook slower.
Not sure but try melting only the Velveeta… add the other cheeses when incorporating ALL of the ingredients and pop in the oven. Also use 1 tbsp black pepper and add evaporated milk but you can follow this recipe. This is very similar to how African Americans make mac n cheese. Baked for holidays. We call this “Soul Food”
Can I make this in a crockpot?
This will be my first time preparing this for my family and I am very excited! My husband came across this recipe online and my three boys love macaroni & cheese!!! I will be back with feedback when I’m done. ?
Hope everyone enjoys it Nikki!
This is on my shopping list for September! I had heard Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese memtioned as secret ingredient. From people down here, who always manage to leave out something in shared receipts, or, won’t share their receipts! I suppose I will have to make it both ways! It looks delish! I have been trying for years to get a GOOD receipt for Mac and Cheese, and have resolved to frozen for years! Let me Do this!
I hope you find it worthy of making again and again Charlotte!!
Eggs? In Mac and cheese? Why not the roux?
i had the same question! why no answer?????? why eggs and not roux?
It’s very popular in the south to use eggs for mac and cheese. It make the texture a little more custard like and in some recipes (not so much this one because it is so creamy), it makes it set up like a casserole.
I would imagine if folks have the anti Velveeta mindset like me…well…except for chili cheese dip during football season…c’mon 😉 a good substitute is a 8oz brick of Philadelphia cream cheese…just keep the salt, really enhances the creamyness and smooths out the grains like velveeta (never underestimate the power of cream cheese). It was amazing…added some Italian bread crumbs mix with melted butter for the last 10 minutes of baking and had a nice crisp top to break through…thank you for this. Wonderful recipe truly
Wonderful suggestion! I really detest Velveeta and processed cheeses, but I adore cream cheese. This recipe looked awesome except for the Velveeta, so I’m gonna try it with the cream cheese. I’m sure it will be relish!
how do u add the cream cheese? I’m not sure how to cook with it. Thank you
I’ve never made this recipe with cream cheese Tina, but I would cut it into cubes and add it the same way as the Velvet.
Crushed potato chips mixed with a little parm or bacon bits makes a great topping. My company LOVES it…
Yum! That would really take it to another level!
Is it possible to omit the velveta?
Has anyone tried freezing the leftovers?
Do you have to use half and half or can you use milk? Just wondering because I didn’t have any!
Thanks
Yes, I think milk would probably work just fine.
Trying this Sunday. Bake at what temp??
This says it makes 8 servings but it doesn’t say the serving size. I am making this for 45-50 people. I’m assuming half cup? I will be having appetizers and a main course. Also, I’m assuming this would freeze well?
I’m not sure exactly of the serving size, but it is very, very rich so 8 servings is a low estimate of servings.
Am I the only person that thought this was salty? I almost substituted the season salt with cayenne. Trying to figure out if also the velveeta made it seem so salty. I just made 2lb and froze it for my son’s rehearsal dinner I am hosting. I still need to make another 2 lbs. and I’m not sure that I want to do this again. I’m hoping just leaving the season all out will do the trick. Any ideas?
With the Velveeta, omit the salt.
Unless you’re using “low sodium” cheeses, just omit the salt. I would think people can salt to taste at the table.
The butter has sodium in it so maybe the seasoned salt is not necessary.
I’m making it now. Hubby wants to add bacon. Can’t wait.
Hope y’all enjoyed it Angel!
my hubby just asked me to add bacon!! gonna give this a shot.. yummy
Mmmmm. Bacon would be so good in it!
Could you tell me why you add eggs? Thanks. It sounds delicious. Going to make some for thanksgiving.
The egg acts as a binder and makes the custard slightly custard-like.
A lot of the stuff on the recipe is American-based (I’m from South Africa!), but I made a couple of substitutes and it came out brilliant! Best recipe on the net!
I am also from SA what substitutes did you use?
What do u mean by half&Half
In the dairy section, similar to heavy cream and milk.
If you can’t get it where you are mix equal parts of whole milk and heavy or whipping cream whatever it’s called where you are
I’ve been making this for the past few months, as my go-to mac and cheese recipe. So perfect and delicious. Feedback from extended family was “that’s gourmet restaurant quality”.
Thanks so much for sharing!
So glad it has become your go to recipe Megan. I think it has the perfect amount of cheesy flavor and creaminess. 🙂
Looks very yummy! Found a minor typo – there needs to be a space between the words ounces and Velveeta.
Thank you!
I have fat free half & half on hand, would this be ok to use?
I am taking this to my family Easter! It has taken all the power in me to not dive in beforehand! It smells and looks amazing! ??☀️?
What size dish did you use.?
Thanks
You can use a 9X13-inch or slightly smaller.
What size dish do u use
Thanks
I made this last week everyone loved it!! I was wondering if you can replace half and half with heavy cream?
Yes, you can use heavy cream instead. It will just be creamier and richer.
I made this dish for my family Christmas dinner!! OMG!! It was so creamy and delicious!!! Several people asked me for the recipe!!!! Yum yum Yum!!!
So happy everyone enjoyed it Latoria. Hope it was an all-around wonderful Christmas for your family. Happy New Year!
This looks amazing! Cannot wait to try it. Could you make it without using the eggs?
Hi Kelly- I haven’t made it without eggs so I really am not sure how differently it would turn out without them.
I left the eggs out by accident (oops) and it turned out great!
Hi Whitney! Thanks for letting us know it will still turn out good without the eggs! 🙂
I’ve finally found the perfect baked mad and cheese recipe! I’ve been trying to perfect baked mac and cheese for a while but it would always come out too dry, or the cheese would seperate from the cream or it just didn’t taste right! This is delicious creamy and comforting! Thanks this is my new favorite!
Thanks for leaving your feedback Morgan and I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Can I make this ahead of time for a potluck and then cook the next day?
Hi Karon! I’m really not sure how it would do if you assembled it a day in advance, but I think it would be fine. Let us know how it turns out if you try it!
did you ever try and cook the next day? Wanted to do this for my kids school Thanksgiving feasts
Just made this tonight for my boyfriend and myself. It was probably the best homemade mac and cheese I’ve ever made. Very creamy and not dried out-just the way I like it! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
The key to a perfect homemade mac and cheese is totally Velveeta!!! I learned that last year. Otherwise the sauce comes out all grainy. This version looks INSANELY good and now that I’m allowed to have dairy again, I’m totally making it 🙂
Really though, who out there does not like mac and cheese? It is just so addictingly delicious! I find myself eating it usually every week
YUM! Pinning, all that cheese makes me happy!
This mac and cheese looks heavenly!! i am loving all that cheesy goodness!! 🙂
I am seriously just salivating here looking at the images. I don’t think mac and cheese can get more creamy, cheesy or delicious than this!
AAAHHHH – Cheesey Comfort! Thanks a million for sharing with us at Weekend Potluck. Pinned!!!
Wow, this looks so creamy and cheesy! I’ve yet to meet a mac n cheese that I didn’t love. Pinning
Velveeta in mac and cheese? Christin – my daughter loves mac and cheese – I need to tell her about this tip as she isn’t a fan of Velveeta either – but is always trying to get her mac and cheese the creamiest ever!
Girl this is the kind of mac and cheese I grew up loving. This is fantastic!
I have no words. This looks like the best mac and cheese ever. EVER!!
I am the HUGEST sucker for extra-creamy, uber-cheesy mac and this looks like the mac n’ cheese of my DREAMS! Seriously, that creamy factor. Could this be more perfect? 🙂 Pinned!
It really looks super creamy and super good!
Life should TOTALLY have more mac and cheese. I posted a mac and cheese recipe today too! Great minds think alike, and think of cheese. 😀 Love this recipe, Christin!
mac and cheese is my ultimate comfort food. I can eat way too much of the stuff and this looks incredible.
This mac ‘n cheese looks amazing, Christin! The creamy kind is my favorite. Wish I could dive right into this bowl! Pinned!
Mmm, mac n cheese is definitely one of my favorite comfort foods, love your recipe!
Looks SO good! You can never have too many mac and cheese recipes. Pinned!
OMG. You have no idea how obsessed I am with this. Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is pretty much my favorite thing on the planet, and this looks out of this world delicious.
I can’t stand Velveeta so I purchased a chuck of American cheese from the deli in place of Velveeta, came perfect.
I’m not the biggest fan of Velveeta Glenda, so that is very nice to know that it works well with American cheese! 🙂