The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever

The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever

6 servings
This is not your traditional mac and cheese. This recipe calls for egg noodles instead of macaroni and the cheeses are a mix of fontina, parmesan, and mozzarella. This is comfort food at its finest and you can add ham to make it a main dish or to add extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • butter

    softened

    2 tbsp
  • egg noodles
    12 oz
  • heavy cream
    2 c
  • whole milk
    2 ½ c
  • all purpose flour
    2 tsp
  • salt

    plus more for pasta water

    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • grated fontina cheese

    packed

    2 c
  • finely grated parmesan

    packed

    ¾ c
  • grated mozzarella

    packed

    ¾ c
  • cooked ham

    diced), (this is optional

    4 oz
  • chopped flat leaf parsley

    italian parsley

    1 tbsp
  • water for boiling egg noodles

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 450º F

  2. 2

    Take the softened butter, and grease a 9 x 13 glass baking dish, and set aside.

  3. 3

    Cook the egg noodles as directed in a large pot of boiling water. Add about 2-3 tbsps. of salt to the water. Cook the noodles until tender but still firm to bite. Approximately 5-7 minutes.

  4. 4

    While the noodles are cooking, whisk together the cream, milk, flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.

  5. 5

    Stir in 1 cup of the Fontina Cheese, 1/2 cup of the parmesan, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, ham if using, and parsley. Mix well.

  6. 6

    When the noodles are done, drain well but do not rinse.

  7. 7

    Add the noodles to the mixing bowl and toss to coat. When mixed well, dump the noodle mixture into the buttered baking dish.

  8. 8

    Toss the remaining grated cheeses together in a small bowl to blend. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the noodle mixture.

  9. 9

    Bake until the sauce starts to bubble and the cheese melts and begins to brown on top. About 20-25 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever

The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever

45 min6 servings

Similar Recipes

The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

The BEST Homemade Mac and Cheese of your LIFE. Outrageously cheesy, ultra creamy, and topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping, this mac and cheese recipe is most definitely a keeper. I used three different cheese and a homemade cheese sauce to take this macaroni and cheese recipe over the top. 

50 minutes642 kcal
Our Best Mac and Cheese

Our Best Mac and Cheese

0 12
Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A traditional mac and cheese. Bake it with your favorite cheeses, veggies or meats for a one-dish wonder.

55 minutes6 servings395 kcal
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Classic old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese comes together with just a little patience and a lot of butter, milk and cheese. Let it bake until bubbly for the most comforting meal ever.

60 minutes16 servings267 kcal
Beef Mac and Cheese

Beef Mac and Cheese

Easy to prepare with less than 10 simple ingredients, this Beef Mac and Cheese is absolutely delicious and sure to become a weekly dinner for the family. This recipe is a foolproof classic in our house and better yet it's made from start to finish in just 45 minutes.

45 minutes8 servings418 kcal
Cheesy Macaroni And Beef Skillet

Cheesy Macaroni And Beef Skillet

Upgrade that classic boxed dinner with this homemade macaroni and beef skillet that's fresher, better, and every bit as cozy and comforting.

30 minutes4 servings
Healthy Mac and Cheese

Healthy Mac and Cheese

Easy Healthy Mac and Cheese recipe swaps out copious amounts of heavy dairy for lightened up options. It's easy to make in 15 minutes in one pot.

14 minutes405 kcal
The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

60 minutes12 servings

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a deeply satisfying, incredibly creamy mac and cheese that truly stands apart? This recipe for The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever delivers a comforting experience that redefines what this classic dish can be.

This isn't your childhood mac and cheese. What makes this recipe truly special is its sophisticated take on a beloved comfort food, starting with tender egg noodles instead of traditional macaroni. The real secret lies in its luxurious blend of fontina, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, creating a rich, complex flavor and an irresistible gooey texture that you won't find anywhere else. The option to add diced ham transforms it into a hearty main dish, making it perfect for a satisfying meal.

Prepare for a truly indulgent experience. You'll find a velvety, ultra-creamy sauce coating every strand of pasta, thanks to a generous combination of heavy cream and whole milk. The chosen cheese blend provides a depth of savory, nutty, and subtly sharp notes, with the mozzarella ensuring that signature, stretchy pull. This dish feels both familiar and refreshingly new, a gourmet twist on a classic that's surprisingly approachable.

One of the beauties of this recipe is its adaptability. While the diced cooked ham adds a wonderful smoky, savory depth, you can easily omit it for a simpler, vegetarian-friendly version. You could also experiment with other cooked proteins if you're looking to make it a more substantial meal. The specific cheese blend is key, but you can adjust the ratios slightly to suit your preference for more sharpness or meltiness.

Serve this decadent macaroni and cheese as the star of your dinner table. It’s ideal for a cozy family night, a comforting weekend meal, or any occasion when you need a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Frequently Asked Questions