Mac and cheese with cream cheese is guaranteed to be the creamiest you’ve ever tasted. Make this comfort food recipe in just half an hour!
Baked macaroni and cheese has a reputation for being dry and flavorless, but that’s not the case with this recipe!
The secret is to use cream cheese. We combine it with two other cheeses to make the sauce extra creamy. As a result, the dish is rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor.
My Bacon Mac and Cheese Casserole is a delicious spin on this 3 cheese mac and cheese. The addition of crisp bacon pieces adds a smoky flavor.
For something more unique, try my Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake. Chopped chicken and a spicy sauce make it a hearty meal, and sour cream and bleu cheese add a signature tangy flavor.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Note: This is just a partial list of ingredients. For the full ingredient list, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pasta – Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but any small pasta works well
- Hot sauce – This adds an extra kick of flavor without making the dish itself spicy. I tend to use Tabasco, but any brand will do. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount or leave it out altogether.
- Mozzarella – Although the flavor is mild, mozzarella is one of the best melting cheeses. That texture is what makes the noodle stick together in just the right way. For a more complex flavor, use Monterey Jack instead.
- Cheddar – Sharp cheddar is what I use, but depending on your preferences, you can use mild or extra sharp. The only difference is how bold the flavor of the cheddar comes through.
How to make mac and cheese with cream cheese
Essentially, the dish starts with a bechamel sauce. Then we melt all 3 cheeses into the sauce, creating a smooth creamy texture. This way, every inch of the pasta has a coating of flavor.
This creamy baked mac n cheese is filling enough to be a main dish, but it also makes a delicious side for holiday gatherings and potluck dinners.
Creamy Baked Mac n Cheese Recipe Video
Watch us make the recipe!
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook the pasta
- Boil the macaroni according to the package directions, but for the best flavor, be sure to add plenty of salt to the water.
- When the pasta has finished cooking, drain off the water.
Make the cheese sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, make a roux with the butter and flour.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to break up any clumps.
- Add the mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, then simmer until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the cheeses one at a time until melted and smooth.
Bake and serve
- Transfer the pasta into a greased baking dish, then pour the cheese sauce over the top.
- Stir until everything is well combined and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over everything.
- Bake uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and the top is browned.
Recipe notes
- Omitting the topping – While I highly recommend baking this dish with a breadcrumb topping, this step is completely optional.
Simply add the cooked pasta to the pot of cheese sauce and stir to combine, then serve immediately.
- Make ahead – If you’ll be taking this to a potluck or holiday gathering, you can make it the day before and reheat just before serving.
Or, make the pasta and sauce up to 2 days in advance and store separately in the refrigerator. Then, warm the sauce on the stove, combine with the noodles, and bake as directed.
- Storing leftovers – Allow the meal to cool, then cover the pan tightly in foil or transfer to airtight containers. Store your baked mac and cheese with cream cheese in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating – For best results, bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Or heat individual portions in the microwave until they’re warm all the way through.
What to serve with mac n cheese
The options are endless, but here are some popular dishes that pair well with this one:
- BBQ ribs or steak
- Grilled chicken
- Sloppy joes
- Meatloaf
- Sandwiches
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
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Baked Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 8 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temp)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese or Monterey Jack
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Toppings
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped, loosely packed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large stock pot boil pasta in heavily salted water per package directions. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking in a 13x9” casserole dish or 12" cast iron pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large skillet add the butter and melt over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute. Add the milk and whisk to mix thoroughly. Whisk in the mustard, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Lower the heat to simmer and cook for 4 minutes, the sauce will thicken.
- Add the cream cheese and stir to melt in the sauce. Add the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and stir to melt and incorporate. Sauce should be smooth. Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta and stir to mix in completely.
For Toasted Topping (optional)
- Top with breadcrumb mixture and bake for 20 minutes uncovered in 350°F oven, until top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. This should be enough for 8 large servings or 10 as a side.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
cooked this before loved it. Cooked tonight with roasted jalapeños and pepper jack cheese it turned out amazing.
Fantastic! Love to read comments like this one Zanku. Thank you!
I just made this for my son and his buddy for lunch. Huge hit! Loads of flavor and sauce. Definitely a keeper!
Made my day! Thanks for coming back to let me know. Cheers!
This was the best Mac and cheese I’ve ever made. Definitely don’t be afraid to include the hot sauce- you won’t taste it but it pulls out the flavor of the cheese. My only question is this- how do you reheat to regain the creaminess of fresh baked? The reheated was good, but far from great. Any tips? It was a bit dry reheated, which was odd considering how saucy it was fresh out of the oven. Thank you!
Hi Julie, I’m so happy to know that the mac and cheese was a hit! The only tip I can think of for reheating is to stir in a bit of milk and then reheat in a casserole dish in the oven at 350°F. until it warms through. I would also cover the pan with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. I hope this helps!
Making this for dinner today and it’s in the oven right now. See what my family of 8 has to say once we eat it up! Thank you 🙏
Hope the family enjoyed the mac and cheese, Natalie. Please be sure to come back and rate the recipe afterward! 🙂
Everyone loved it! It’ll certainly be on our menu regularly
I’m making this for dinner tonight! Can’t wait!
Excellent, so glad to hear this. It’s a house favorite, I even add some crumbled bacon sometimes! 🙂
I just made it and the recipe said 1 lb elbow noodles but when you cook it it did not come close to fitting in a 9×13 pan and was rather dry. Should it of said 1 lb cooked 1/2 and dry elbow noodles?
I am sorry it came out dry. I haven’t had that issue! Maybe give it another go and let me know if it works out better for you the second time! Thanks Jimmy!
This mac and cheese is the bomb. My family and friends are begging me to make more tomorrow. I added fried chopped up chicken tenders and broccoli. Definitely will be making this mac and cheese recipe for now on. Thank you so much!!! Me and my husband start having sex again!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I am so glad that your family and friends enjoy it! Great idea with the additions!
Seriously?? You definitely did NOT need to mention that. Wow some people have no class
awesome!
Thank you for sharing your recipe Kevin! This Mac & Cheese is similar to my mother’s. I’ve made variations over the years and they are all great. The cream cheese is new for me and an excellent addition.
April, I love that you shared that bit of humor! Don’t let the sour frigid grapes spoil your bliss and keep making that Mac & Cheese girl!! After 32 years of marriage I hear ya loud and clear 😂
Really good recipe. Liked the ratio of sauce to noodles. I added a bit of nutmeg because I enjoy the flavor in mac and cheese, but otherwise stayed true to your recipe. Very good with some meatballs or by itself.
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Would this work with onion instead of dijon and hot sauce? If so, how much? Looks amazing!
By all means I encourage experimentation Lily!
Do you think this could be frozen? For an easy week day meal?
Have you ever frozen it? Thanks.
Looks delicious.
I haven’t froze it but if you do let me know how it works out! I would love to hear!
I was writing that I am really enjoying your recipe collection. Last night’s mac and cheese was really delicious. Today, I am making your Brussels sprouts alongside maple glazed turkey for Canadian thanksgiving. I find your recipes seem to match my taste, and I feel like you have done all the work of finding the best of the best recipes for me. From now on, I think I will skip looking through a million recipes in Pinterest before picking one I like. I will go straight to your website first. I also like how they are written up with the… Read more »
Thanks so much Alison! I really appreciate the feedback and you taking the time to let me know. Happy Canadian Thankgiving!
This is a delicious cheese sauce but the ratio of sauce to macaroni was off for me. I added an extra half lb of pasta and it was perfect!
Thanks for the feedback Karen, so glad you enjoyed this cheese sauce. In testing this one I found that I liked the sauce a bit more than equal pasta ratio, if there were any leftovers it was thicker and I had thin it out with milk. Like your solution, too!