So you want to make your favorite Ninja Foodi macaroni and cheese but in the oven at 400 degrees. This isn’t just any dish though, it’s Mac and Cheese with Heavy Cream. This 4 ingredients recipe takes the classic comfort food to another level.

Taking a bite of this mac and cheese is like diving into a pool of pure creaminess. The texture is so velvety, so rich, it’s an absolute delight. And the taste? With just the right balance of cheddar and heavy cream, it’s savory, it’s salty, it’s heavenly. Let’s talk about how you can create this masterpiece at home.
Table of Contents
How Long to Bake Mac and Cheese at 350
You might be wondering how long to bake mac and cheese at 350. The standard cooking time for most baked macaroni and cheese recipes is around 30 minutes. But this can vary based on your oven, the size of your baking dish, and how crispy you like it. A good rule of thumb is to check it after about 25 minutes to see if it’s reached your desired level of golden, bubbly perfection. If not, let it bake a bit longer.
Baking creamy dishes at a lower temperature like 350 can result in a creamier texture as it allows the cheese sauce to slowly melt into the pasta. This is a good option if you like yours extra gooey. This time we’re baking at 400 degrees to get a nicely browned, crispy top layer.
Texture is everything. So, the al dente pasta is key. Overcooked noodles can turn your dish into a mushy mess. So, remember, when you’re boiling your elbow macaroni, aim for al dente – firm to the bite but not hard.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni pasta noodles or small sizes
- Heavy cream makes it super creamy
- Eggs thicken the sauce even more
- Salt and pepper are basic seasonings
- Shredded cheddar cheese or a mix of a few
- Bacon is optional
Variations
Adding bacon to your mac and cheese can take it from great to absolutely irresistible. Like our meat lovers mac and cheese you really can add any bits of precooked meats into the mix to make heartier. Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious macaroni and cheese with bacon:
Can I use pre-shredded cheese to make homemade mac and cheese?
Absolutely! We do this with our Hamburger Mac and Cheese. While freshly grated cheese often melts more smoothly, pre-shredded cheese is a great time saver. If you’re in a pinch, pre-shredded cheese will work just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to check the ingredient list – some brands add anti-caking agents or preservatives that can affect the texture and taste of your dish.
Adding bacon to your mac and cheese can take it from comforting to absolutely decadent. It adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese. Not to mention, the crispy bits of bacon add a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the pasta.
Dairy Free Baked Mac and Cheese
If you’re dairy-free but still craving that creamy mac and cheese, don’t fret! You can still enjoy this classic comfort food with a few simple swaps. Instead of heavy cream, try a non-dairy milk like almond or soy. There are also plenty of vegan cheeses available these days that melt just as well as regular cheese. You’ll still get to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese – just without the dairy.
To make this recipe dairy-free, you’ll need to make some modifications. This will require some experimenting to get the flavors and textures just right. As a tip, nutritional yeast can be a wonderful addition as it provides a “cheesy” flavor. Also, a blend of cashews and non-dairy milk can create a velvety texture that closely resembles a traditional cheese sauce.
And since this recipe doesn’t require you to melt butter, that’s actually one area you won’t have to worry about.
How Long to Bake Mac and Cheese at 400
When you preheat your oven to 400 degrees and bake your dish for 20 minutes, you allow the cheese to melt fully and start developing a nice golden-brown color. Once you’ve achieved this, you then sprinkle on some more shredded cheese. Then bake for another 10-15 minutes until it’s perfectly melted and has a beautiful golden hue.
How to Make Mac and Cheese with 4 Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 400 F. Pour cream into a bowl and add one cup shredded cheddar. Add eggs, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Boil macaroni and drain when it is al dente but tender. Transfer pasta to a baking dish. Top with cream-egg-cheese mixture. Place in a preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bake for another 10-15 minutes until melted, golden brown on top, rich and creamy inside.
How to Reheat Mac and Cheese in Oven
We all know mac n cheese is delicious fresh out of the oven, but how about the leftovers? Reheating mac and cheese in the oven is an excellent way to retain its creamy texture. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, cover the baking dish with foil to prevent it from drying out, and reheat for about 20 minutes or until it’s heated through.
When reheating, you might also want to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back some of the creaminess that may have been lost in the refrigerator. Just a little stir, and your leftover mac and cheese will be as good as new. Have some meat from the night before in the fridge too? Throw some in there like our brisket mac and cheese.
Other creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipes
- Try our small batch air fryer mac and cheese some time
- Our pizza mac and cheese has a pop of flavor
- And copycat Chic Fil A mac and cheese tastes like your fave place
Mac and Cheese with Heavy Cream
Equipment
- 1 casserole dish
- 1 pot to boil noodles
Ingredients
- 1/2 c elbow macaroni, dry, boiled separate to al dente
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 c heavy cream
- 2 c cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F. Pour cream into a bowl and add one cup shredded cheddar. Add eggs, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Boil macaroni and drain when it is al dente but tender. Transfer pasta to a baking dish. Top with cream-egg-cheese mixture. Place in a preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bake for another 10-15 minutes until melted and golden brown on top.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.