Name: Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Sfoglini Small Shells; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 8 ounces unsalted butter; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 cups half & half; 2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon sea salt; ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 16 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded; 16 ounces deli-style American cheese (Cooper Sharp recommended), shredded

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 30 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of a dish that combines creamy, ooey-gooey cheese with perfectly tender pasta, let me introduce you to the Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe. This dish is pure comfort on a plate, featuring tender Sfoglini small shells enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that bakes to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a seriously cheesy, homey meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a group of ingredients for a recipe arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the center is a clear glass bowl filled with several thick white cheese blocks stacked together. Nearby, there is a large clear glass measuring cup filled with white milk. To the upper right, there is a pile of dry small pale yellow pasta shells. There are two smaller clear glass bowls, one containing white flour and the other holding a mix of white salt and light yellow powder. A stick of butter with red and yellow text lies on a dark blue and white striped cloth on the left side. Additionally, there is a small clear bowl with a clear liquid and a silver foil wrapped block of cheese near the bottom right side of the image. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t worry about hunting down fancy ingredients for this Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe—everything is simple, straightforward, and essential for balancing flavor and texture perfectly. Each element, from the rich butter to the blend of cheeses, plays an important role in building that creamy sauce and the perfect baked crust.

Sfoglini Small Shells: These pasta shells are just the right size to hold pockets of delicious, creamy cheese sauce, making every bite a little explosion of flavor.

Olive oil: A touch is used to coat the pasta after cooking, preventing sticking and adding a subtle fruitiness.
Unsalted butter: The fat base that carries the sauce’s flavor and richness.
All-purpose flour: Key to creating a smooth roux that thickens the sauce.

Cream cheese: Softened for easy blending, it adds a tangy creaminess that elevates the sauce’s texture.
Half & half: Adds luscious creaminess without being too heavy.
Whole milk: Balances richness and keeps the sauce silky.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Ground black pepper: Adds just enough bite to keep things interesting.

Mustard powder: A subtle depth enhancer that brings out the cheese flavor.
Sharp white cheddar: This shredded cheese contributes a classic, sharp cheesiness that’s a must-have for the recipe.
Deli-style American cheese (Cooper Sharp recommended): Shredded for meltability, this cheese smooths and rounds out the sauce, contributing to that legendary creaminess.

How to Make Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare pasta

First things first, set your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go by the time your cheese sauce is made. Boiling the Sfoglini small shells until they’re al dente—about 6 minutes after reaching a rapid boil—is crucial; you want them tender but still firm enough to hold their shape after baking. Once drained, toss them with a teaspoon of olive oil to keep them from sticking.

Step 2: Create a buttery roux and melt in cream cheese

In a stockpot over medium heat, melt 8 ounces of unsalted butter and whisk in half a cup of all-purpose flour. This roux will thicken the sauce beautifully. Once combined and smooth, add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted into the mixture, creating a rich, creamy base for the sauce.

Step 3: Add liquids and seasonings

Slowly pour in 2 cups each of half & half and whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps and build a silky sauce. Stir in the seasoning trio: 1 teaspoon sea salt, ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder, which will enhance and brighten the flavors of the cheese.

Step 4: Incorporate shredded cheeses

Now comes the star of the show—the cheese! Add 16 ounces of sharp white cheddar and 16 ounces of shredded deli-style American cheese, whisking until melted and perfectly smooth. The combination of cheeses gives this sauce its signature sharpness and luxurious melt. Reserve a little cheese for sprinkling on top if you want an extra cheesy baked crust.

Step 5: Combine pasta and cheese sauce, then bake

Toss the cooked pasta shells into the luscious cheese sauce, ensuring every shell is coated with creamy goodness. Transfer everything to a baking dish and, if desired, sprinkle some reserved cheese over the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the top turns a tempting golden brown and the edges bubble happily.

Step 6: Let it rest, then enjoy

Once out of the oven, give the dish about 15 minutes to set up a bit—this step helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving neater and more satisfying. Get ready for some seriously cheesy comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

How to Serve Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe

A clear glass baking dish holds a creamy baked pasta casserole with two main layers: the bottom layer is light yellow pasta shells, visible through the top creamy white sauce layer, which has specks of browned spots and is sprinkled with small pieces of green chopped herbs evenly scattered on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a navy blue cloth with white stripes beside it. There is a wooden slotted spoon on the right, and a partially visible plastic pack of uncooked small shell pasta in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple herbs like fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances all that rich cheese. A dusting of smoked paprika can also add a subtle smoky kick and vibrant color, making your mac and cheese look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is wonderfully hearty and rich, pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides like a green salad with tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables works perfectly. For a heartier meal, roasted chicken or crispy bacon are fantastic companions that complement the cheesy flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation—perfect for parties or special dinners. You can also bake it in muffin tins for convenient, handheld cheesiness that’s especially fun for kids or casual gatherings. Drizzle a little hot sauce or truffle oil on top just before serving for adventurous palates wanting to elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe holds up beautifully, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that lovely baked texture. Alternatively, use the microwave for quicker reheating but add a splash of milk and cover loosely to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta shells?

Absolutely! While Sfoglini small shells work wonderfully for holding the sauce, you can substitute with other medium-sized pasta shells or elbow macaroni. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep them al dente.

What cheeses make this recipe so cheesy?

The magic is in combining sharp white cheddar with deli-style American cheese, specifically Cooper Sharp if you can find it. This duo creates a sauce that is rich, smooth, and ounce-for-ounce packed with that unbeatable cheesy flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and make sure to use gluten-free pasta shells. The cheese sauce will be just as creamy and delicious.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?

Definitely! Assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from cold.

How much time should I allow for the cheese to set after baking?

Allowing the dish to rest for about 15 minutes after baking helps thicken the sauce and makes it easier to serve, delivering that perfect, gooey texture we all crave in the Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that feels like pure comfort with every bite, this Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to share a warm, delicious hug with everyone at your table.

Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Cheesiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese Shells Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare pasta