I Tried Our 5 Most Popular Baked Mac and Cheese Recipes and Found My Ultimate Comfort Food

It’s creamy, cheesy perfection.

Baked mac and cheese holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my twin sister and I always requested it as our birthday meal, and we’d gladly eat the leftovers for the entire week following. To this day, we have an unspoken agreement that we’ll split the dish if we see it on a restaurant menu.

But I’m not just an expert at eating mac and cheese, I’m also a pro at making it. If I’m hosting friends and need a surefire win, I’ll make my sister’s classic recipe. But I also enjoy experimenting, whether that means switching up the topping or working in some veggies. And after a testing a few recipes from celebrity chefs, I have a pretty good sense of what works—and what doesn’t. (Tomatoes, for example, do not belong on baked mac and cheese).

What Makes a Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese?

To me, the perfect baked mac and cheese has three essential components: al dente pasta, a well-seasoned cheese sauce, and a crispy, crunchy topping. If the noodles are mushy, the sauce is flavorless, or the topping falls flat, it’s game over. Another crucial consideration? The texture. I prefer a scoopable casserole to a sliceable one, which means it’s extra rich and creamy.

From there, I’m open minded! I’m not picky about noodle shape, I’ll try any type of cheese, and I love an unexpected technique. For these reasons, I couldn’t wait to see what the Allrecipes contenders had in store for me.

Which Mac and Cheese Recipes Did I Test?

I tested five reader favorite mac and cheese recipes from Allrecipes, all of which came together quickly with basic kitchen equipment. There was one five-ingredient version, one made with Kraft singles, one packed with spices, one with extra breadcrumbs, and one that I loved the most. To keep things fair, I tested each recipe with the same brands of cheese, pasta, butter, and milk. Here’s what I found.

Best Topping: Homemade Mac and Cheese 

• Fast facts: Developed by Judy, has 2,050 reviews with a 4.2-star rating

This recipe doesn’t skimp on the breadcrumbs, which means every single bite is filled with crispy-crunchy goodness. Cooking the breadcrumbs in butter before they’re sprinkled onto the casserole gives them extra-toasty flavor, too—though if you’re short on time, you can broil the finished casserole instead.

The recipe as a whole is simple and to the point: Make the sauce, pour it over the cooked noodles in the baking dish, toss to combine, then top with the breadcrumbs. But while I liked the addition of Parmesan cheese, I was hoping its salty, nutty flavor would come through more. In the future, I’ll increase the amount of Parmesan in the sauce and grate some into the breadcrumbs, too.

Absolute Easiest: Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Fast facts: Developed by Meredith, has 477 reviews with a 4.1-star rating

This ridiculously easy recipe featured a new-to-me technique: Instead of making a stovetop sauce, you simply whisk together milk, egg, cheese, and melted butter, then pour it over the par-boiled macaroni. It’s perfect if you’re short on time, don’t want to dirty an extra saucepan, or are anxious about making a roux.

The downside of this technique is that the dish as a whole isn’t as creamy as the others (the ingredients never really form a cohesive sauce), and the noodles on top get a little dry in the oven. Next time, I’ll try layering the noodles and cheese and then pouring on the milk mixture, a trick a few reviewers have had success with.

Most Elevated: Chef John’s Macaroni and Cheese

• Fast facts: Developed by Chef John, has 1,258 reviews with a 4.4-star rating

When I served this dish to my panel of taste-testers, they kept discovering new flavor notes with every bite, including a “Thanksgiving herb,” something “a little spicy,” and a savory element they couldn’t quite put their finger on. And they were right about all of it! Chef John’s recipe boasts myriad add-ins, from dried thyme and cayenne pepper to the intriguing addition of Worcestershire sauce.

Though I appreciated the flavor boosters, I would have liked the cheese itself to stand out a bit more. I think using a blend of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and Gruyère—or even cheddar and pepper Jack, to add another spicy element—would provide more oomph. I’d also lose the extra cheese on top to give the breadcrumbs a chance to crisp. Lastly, to keep the whole thing from tasting too dry, I’d use fewer noodles and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.

Close Second: Mom’s Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese

• Fast facts: Developed by GEPETTO_69, has 877 reviews with a 4.5-star rating

This recipe tastes like a grilled cheese sandwich in the best way possible. And that’s not by accident, as it was the only one to incorporate American cheese. When stirred into the béchamel alongside sharp cheddar, it created one of the best-tasting sauces of the bunch. A few smart additions, such as sautéed onions, dry mustard powder, and lots of freshly ground black pepper, kept it tasting classic but not boring.

For me, the only thing missing from this recipe is a breadcrumb topping. But if you’re a fan of creaminess through and through, this is absolutely the best recipe for you.

Best Overall: VELVEETA Down-Home Macaroni and Cheese

• Fast facts: Developed by VELVEETA Cheese, has 145 reviews with a 4.5-star rating

Cheese sauces run the risk of  turning out watery or grainy, but this one was thick and luscious. In fact, I had a feeling this recipe would win based on the decadent sauce alone. The secret to its perfection? A half pound of VELVEETA, a supremely creamy cheese beloved for its unrivaled melting abilities. If you grew up on the stuff, prepare for a major dose of nostalgia.

Before baking, you’ll sprinkle the casserole with a buttery RITZ cracker topping, which really gilds the lily. I recommend using at least double the amount of crackers, which will make the topping easier to sprinkle and ensure it covers every inch. Because who doesn’t want more RITZ?

Ultimately, this mac and cheese is exactly what you need if you’re craving pure comfort. Trust me when I say your search for the perfect recipe ends here.