Craving mac and cheese without the last-minute rush? Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese is the perfect make-ahead version of this comfort food classic. Rich, creamy, and ultra-convenient, this recipe allows the pasta to soak overnight, absorbing all the savoury flavour of the cheese and milk mixture.

It’s a go-to option when entertaining or planning a holiday meal—freeing you from last-minute prep without compromising on taste. Let’s walk through exactly how to make this indulgent and fuss-free dish that stays true to the Barefoot Contessa’s elegant, approachable style.

What is Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese?

Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese is a baked pasta casserole where uncooked pasta is soaked in a rich cheese and milk mixture overnight, then baked the next day until golden and bubbling. The magic happens as the pasta softens and absorbs the creamy sauce, resulting in a perfectly baked texture that’s never dry or overcooked.

Unlike traditional mac and cheese, which requires boiling pasta separately, this version saves you a step and enhances the flavour with each hour of soaking. It’s comfort food made smarter, not harder.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese

Perfect for make-ahead meals – Prepped the night before and baked fresh the next day.
Creamier texture – Soaking the pasta enhances flavour absorption and results in a rich, custardy finish.
Great for entertaining – Eliminates last-minute kitchen stress on busy days.
No need to boil pasta – Saves a step without sacrificing quality.
Customizable to your taste – Use different cheeses, mix-ins, or toppings.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Loved by all ages and suitable for large gatherings.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese

To make this indulgent dish, you’ll need:

1 pound elbow macaroni (uncooked)
3 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups grated sharp white cheddar
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, if using breadcrumbs)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese

Prepare the base – In a large bowl, combine uncooked elbow macaroni, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well to coat the pasta.
Add the cheese – Fold in the grated cheddar and Gruyère, mixing until evenly distributed.
Cover and refrigerate – Transfer to a buttered baking dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).
Preheat and prep the topping – The next day, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If using, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan.
Bake the mac and cheese – Remove from the fridge, uncover, and sprinkle with topping. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Cool slightly before serving – Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to firm up before scooping.

Ina Garten Overnight Mac and Cheese recipe

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese

Pair with roasted vegetables – Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add colour and balance.
Serve with grilled meats – Chicken, steak, or pork complement the creamy richness.
Add a crisp salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad cuts through the cheese.
Include on a buffet – Perfect as a side for holiday spreads or potlucks.
Top with bacon crumbles – Adds a smoky crunch and contrast.
Enjoy as a main – Serve with garlic bread or sautéed greens for a complete meal.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese

Use high-fat dairy – Whole milk and cream ensure a rich, velvety texture.
Choose good melting cheeses – Gruyère and cheddar provide great flavour and smoothness.
Let it soak fully – 8–12 hours gives the pasta time to absorb liquid without over-softening.
Grease the dish generously – Prevents sticking and helps create a golden crust.
Toss in add-ins carefully – Cooked bacon, spinach, or mushrooms can be mixed in before baking.
Rest after baking – Let it sit before serving to thicken the sauce.
Make extra topping – The breadcrumb-Parmesan combo adds irresistible crunch.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese

Swap cheeses – Try fontina, mozzarella, or smoked gouda for different profiles.
Add vegetables – Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted garlic.
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.
Use whole wheat pasta – A nuttier, heartier base for the same soaking method.
Incorporate proteins – Fold in shredded chicken or ham for a full meal.
Try a gluten-free version – Use GF pasta and breadcrumbs.
Top with caramelised onions – Adds sweetness and depth.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese

Refrigerate leftovers promptly – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Cool before sealing – Let the casserole cool to avoid condensation.
Store in portions – Makes reheating quicker and more convenient.
Freeze for future meals – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Label with date and contents – Helps keep track for meal planning.
Avoid freezing breadcrumb topping – Add fresh crumbs after thawing for the best texture.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese

Oven method works best – Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbling.
Microwave individual portions – Use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely.
Add a splash of milk – Helps loosen the sauce if it’s become too thick.
Cover with foil when baking – Prevents drying out while reheating.
Re-crisp the topping – Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to revive crunch.
Avoid overcooking – Heat just until warmed through for the best texture.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 480 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Calcium: 280mg
Sodium: 420mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on ingredients.

FAQs

Can you make mac and cheese without boiling the pasta first?

Yes, Ina Garten’s overnight mac and cheese allows you to skip boiling entirely. The uncooked pasta soaks overnight in a mixture of milk, cream, and cheese, which softens it and infuses it with flavour before baking the next day.

How long can you leave mac and cheese to soak before baking?

For best results, soak the uncooked pasta in the cheese and dairy mixture for 8 to 12 hours. This timeframe allows the pasta to fully absorb the liquid without becoming overly soft, ensuring a perfect texture after baking.

What kind of cheese works best for overnight mac and cheese?

A combination of sharp white cheddar and Gruyère is ideal for overnight mac and cheese. These cheeses melt smoothly and provide a rich, tangy flavour. Parmesan is also commonly added on top for a savoury finish.

Do you cover overnight mac and cheese while baking?

No, you should bake the overnight mac and cheese uncovered. This helps develop a golden crust on top and allows moisture to reduce slightly, giving the dish its signature creamy yet set texture.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Overnight Mac and Cheese is the perfect solution for busy days, holiday prep, or when you simply want dinner ready to pop in the oven. It delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction with zero compromise and full convenience.

With just a little planning the night before, you’ll be rewarded with a golden-topped, bubbling casserole that’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and deeply flavourful. Give it a try—and see why Ina’s make-ahead version is worth keeping in your regular rotation.