• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sunday Supper Movement logo
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Sunday Supper Pledge
    • Family Foodie TV
  • Browse Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dinner Ideas
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
  • Holiday Recipes
  • Cooking Chart
  • Newsletter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Holiday Recipes
  • Newsletter
  • Cookbooks
  • Media
  • Contact Us
  • The Sunday Supper Pledge
  • Follow us on social!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Casseroles » Ina Garten Mac and Cheese Casserole

    Ina Garten Mac and Cheese Casserole

    Published: Oct 1, 2021 Modified: Jan 27, 2023 by Isabel Laessig

    Share
    Pin
    Share

    This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

    Jump to Recipe

    My version of the famous Ina Garten Mac and Cheese casserole is out of this world delicious! It combines sharp cheddar and gruyere cheese for a homemade baked mac and cheese that is extra rich and creamy. With a touch of freshness from sliced tomatoes and a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping, it’s irresistible! Ready in 30 minutes and great for feeding a crowd.

    Ina Garten Mac and Cheese in casserole dish with wooden serving spoon
    Jump to:
    • Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
    • Best Mac and Cheese Add-ins
    • Variations on Mac and Cheese Ingredients
    • FAQs
    • Make Ahead Mac and Cheese Instructions
    • Recipe Tips
    • Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Instructions
    • Storing Instructions
    • More Ina Garten Recipes
    • Mac and Cheese Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Best Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

    When life is hectic around you, one of the easiest meals you can put on the table is mac and cheese. I think we’ve all been there, where we’re in a pinch and boxed mac and cheese ends up on the dinner table!

    Homemade mac and cheese can be just as easy as boxed. My recipe for Ina Garten Mac and Cheese is! It’s ready in 30 minutes using simple ingredients and easy steps to follow.

    The best part about my version of Barefoot Contessa mac and cheese is that it’s big enough to feed your family or a crowd, and it can be made ahead of time easily. Not to mention the delicious spiral pasta and fresh tomato slices… yum!

    I promise you’re going to love how easy this homemade mac and cheese recipe is and how incredible it tastes. Your family won’t want any other kind!

    Ina Garten Mac and Cheese in casserole dish with sliced tomatoes

    Best Mac and Cheese Add-ins

    • Bacon – try my candied bacon or air fryer bacon
    • Vegetables – try adding in broccoli, green beans, peas, onions, or any favorite veggie. I even like adding a little spinach!
    • Sliced hotdogs or sausage – okay, who doesn’t love adding sliced hotdogs to their mac and cheese? It’s the best combination, and kids love it.
    • Buffalo sauce and shredded chicken
    toasted bread crumbs and ingredients for Ina Garten Mac and Cheese

    Variations on Mac and Cheese Ingredients

    • Instead of gruyere mac and cheese, you can use brie, smoked gouda, fontina, Monterey Jack, or more cheddar.
    • Instead of panko breadcrumbs, you can use any kind of breadcrumb you wish. I enjoy the flavor and texture of panko.
    • I use fusilli pasta in this dish, but you can use any macaroni noodle you prefer.
    • Try using Leftover Ham mixed in with the pasta.
    dry fusilli pasta for Ina Garten Mac and Cheese

    FAQs

    Should you cover your mac and cheese when baking?

    Mac and cheese should not be covered while baking. Covering the mac and cheese will steam it rather than give it a crispy baked texture.

    How do you thicken macaroni and cheese?

    A bechamel made with a roux, or mix of flour and butter, is used to thicken macaroni and cheese. This thick, easy-to-make sauce is a perfect base for a cheesy and creamy mac and cheese.

    What cheese is best in mac and cheese?

    A mix of cheddar and gruyere is the best for baked mac and cheese. You can also use one of the variations listed above in your Ina mac and cheese.

    Can you freeze mac and cheese?

    Allow the dish to cool, then cover with aluminum foil, label with the freezing date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Leave out the tomato slices when freezing mac and cheese for best results. I recommend doubling the recipe and freezing it so you have plenty of leftovers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven as instructed. This is the best make ahead mac and cheese!

    Making cheese sauce for Ina Garten Mac and Cheese

    Make Ahead Mac and Cheese Instructions

    1. Prepare Barefoot Contessa Mac and Cheese as instructed, leaving out the tomatoes and breadcrumb topping. Add it to the 9 by 13-inch baking dish, and once cooled, wrap it in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
    2. Prepare the breadcrumb topping separately and store in an airtight container.
    3. When ready to bake, allow the mac and cheese to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Then, slice and layer the tomatoes and sprinkle with the breadcrumb toppings before baking.

    This is the best overnight mac and cheese recipe! It’s perfect for busy schedules and planning dinner parties.

    Recipe Tips

    • For a crunchier topping, broil 2-5 minutes at the end of the bake time.
    • If making ahead of time, allow the dish to sit on the counter for 30 minutes before baking.

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Instructions

    • Replace the fusilli noodles with a gluten-free noodle. I find Tinkyada brown rice spirals to be a great choice for an easy mac and cheese bake.
    • Omit the breadcrumbs.
    • For the roux, use a gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

    Storing Instructions

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When you reheat, add a little bit of milk. Reheat in the microwave covered partially with plastic wrap, stirring frequently.

    Ina Garten Mac and Cheese

    Did you try my Ina Garten mac and cheese? I’d love to know what you think! Let me know in the comments below and with a rating.

    More Ina Garten Recipes

    • Apple Crisp
    • Apple Galette
    • Roasted Artichoke Salad

    Try serving Mac and Cheese with BBQ recipes like Air Fryer Pork Ribs, Grilled Pork Butt, or Smoked Pork Butt!

    This recipe makes a great side dish for the holidays. Pair it with my other Side Dishes for Ham, Thanksgiving Dishes, Side Dishes for Prime Rib or Christmas Side Dishes!

    Mac and Cheese Recipes

    • Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
    • Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
    • Chili Mac Recipe

    📋 Recipe

    Ina Garten Mac and Cheese

    Ina Garten Mac and Cheese

    Isabel Laessig
    My version of the famous Ina Garten Mac and Cheese recipe is rich and creamy, with sharp cheddar and Gruyere, tomato slices, and a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping!
    4.68 from 28 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main or side dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 420 kcal

    Equipment

    • 9 x 13 inch baking dish
    • Cooking spray
    • 2 large pots

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 oz fusilli pasta or pasta of choice
    • 1 dash salt
    • 1 drizzle olive oil
    • 10 Tablespoons butter 6 Tablespoons for pasta, 4 Tablespoons for breadcrumb topping
    • ½ cup all-purpose flour
    • 4 cups whole milk
    • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    • 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
    • salt and pepper, to taste
    • 2 medium tomatoes sliced, optional
    • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
    Cooking Conversions

    See our Cooking Conversions Chart for help converting measurements!

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Add pasta and boil for amount of minutes indicated on package. Drain and set aside.
      16 oz fusilli pasta, 1 dash salt, 1 drizzle olive oil
      fusilli pasta for Ina Garten Mac and Cheese
    • In another large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Once melted add in flour and stir until combined and thickened into a paste. Slowly add milk and whisk until creamy, thick, and smooth. Remove from heat and add cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
      10 Tablespoons butter, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 4 cups whole milk, 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded, salt and pepper, to taste
      Making cheese sauce for Ina Garten Mac and Cheese
    • Add pasta to cheese sauce and mix. Spray a 9×13 dish with cooking spray and add macaroni and cheese, smoothing into an even layer.
      Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and cook until golden, stirring constantly. Remove from pan immediately so they don't continue to brown in the hot pan.
      Place tomato slices on top of macaroni and cheese (optional) and then sprinkle the breadcrumbs over top.
      10 Tablespoons butter, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 medium tomatoes
      Lining ina garten mac and cheese with sliced tomato
    • Bake for about 30 minutes, until bubbling and edges are starting to brown. Serve and enjoy!
      Ina Garten Mac and Cheese in casserole dish with wooden spoon lifting out a portion

    Notes

    Overnight Mac and Cheese Instructions
    1. Prepare mac and cheese as instructed, leaving out the tomatoes and breadcrumb topping. Add it to the 9 by 13-inch baking dish, and once cooled, wrap it in plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
    2. Prepare the breadcrumb topping separately and store in an airtight container.
    3. When ready to bake, allow the mac and cheese to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Then, slice and layer the tomatoes and sprinkle with the breadcrumb toppings before baking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 19gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 353mgPotassium: 233mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 888IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 456mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Macaroni and Cheese, macaroni and cheese casserole, pasta bake, side dish recipe
    Did you try this recipe?Tag #SundaySupper on social and leave a comment below!

    Photography by Kristen King.

    Share
    Pin
    Share

    More Casseroles

    • Drizzling honey over cornbread casserole slices
      Creamed Corn Casserole
    • Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
      Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
    • ham and potato casserole in a beige baking dish
      Ham and Potato Casserole
    • Sausage Breakfast Casserole with Crescent Rolls
      Breakfast Casserole
    Isabel, AKA Family Foodie

    About Isabel Laessig

    Hi! I’m Isabel Laessig, also known as Family Foodie, creator of Sunday Supper Movement and author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook. Sunday Supper is my mission to bring family back around the dinner table. Join me in making family meal-time a tradition to celebrate!

    » About Me

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kelli says

      July 10, 2021 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight for supper and it was delicious!

      Reply
      • Em Beitel says

        July 12, 2021 at 10:03 am

        Thank you so much Kelli! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply

    Let us know what you think or ask a question about the recipe! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Leave a rating!




    Primary Sidebar

    Isabel, AKA Family Foodie

    Hi! I’m Isabel Laessig, also known as Family Foodie. Sunday Supper is my mission to bring family back around the dinner table!

    • Family Foodie Facebook
    • Sunday Supper Pinterest
    • Sunday Supper Youtube
    • Family Foodie Instagram
    • Family Foodie Tiktok

    Sunday Dinner Ideas

    • Southern smothered pork chops in a cast iron skillet
      Pork Chop Recipes
    • Overhead shot of beef chuck roast recipe on a white platter with carrots and fresh herbs
      Beef Chuck Roast
    • up close baked portobello mushrooms surrounded by lettuce
      Portobello Mushroom Recipe
    • A fork with a bite of air fryer pork chops
      Air Fryer Pork Chops
    • Candied Bacon
    • Elotes Mexicanos on a white platter
      Elote Recipe

    Footer

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    logos of brands sunday supper has worked with

    Connect with us!

    Join us around our family table by following us on social media, including our Sunday Supper Recipes group!

    • facebook
    • instagram
    • pinterest
    • youtube

    Our Brands

    Follow all of our websites for the best recipes catered to your needs!

    Sunday Supper Movement |
    Best Beef Recipes | Easy Sauce Recipes | Side Dish Ideas | Pork Recipe Ideas

    About Us

    • Contact Us
    • About Isabel and Sunday Supper
    • Our Partners
    • Disclosure & Privacy
    • No AI

    ↑ back to top

    Sunday Supper Logo

    Copyright 2012-2023 Sunday Supper Movement®, All Rights Reserved.