Dreamy, Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Adore

Mac and cheese lovers adore this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe that promises pure comfort.

Childhood memories flood back with each cheesy, golden-crusted bite.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket over tender pasta shells, inviting pure indulgence.

Sharp cheddar and smooth gruyère combine for extraordinary flavor depth.

Crispy breadcrumb edges add delightful crunch against the silky interior.

Grab a fork and dive into deliciousness that will make everyone at the table cheer.

Cheesy Mac Additions That Change It Up

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or cooked ground turkey to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Veggie-Loaded Option: Mix in roasted broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add extra flavor and texture.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with cashew-based cheese sauce, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk to create a dairy-free, creamy mac and cheese for those following a vegan diet.

Why Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Is a Comfort Classic

• Effortless mac and cheese recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal kitchen stress.
• Requires just 45 minutes total from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when everyone craves something deliciously satisfying.
• Adaptable dish suitable for potlucks, holiday gatherings, game nights, or casual family meals that guarantees smiles and second helpings from kids and adults alike.
• Delivers a mouthwatering combination of creamy cheese sauce underneath and crispy, golden breadcrumb topping that creates an irresistible contrast in every single bite.

Ingredients to Build a Creamy Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for mac and cheese, holds sauce beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the pasta during boiling.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Rich blend of cheeses creating depth and creamy texture, choose high-quality, freshly shredded varieties for best melting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce base.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Provides creamy consistency and luxurious mouthfeel, whole milk recommended for best results.

• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens cheese sauce and creates smooth roux.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing cheese flavors.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color to the dish.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy golden topping, provides delightful textural contrast.

How to Bake the Perfect Macaroni Dish

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook elbow macaroni until soft but firm. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Velvety Cheese Sauce

• Warm milk
• Heavy cream

• Sharp cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat once smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Mix cooked pasta into cheese sauce until noodles are evenly coated. Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Topping

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over mac and cheese. Scatter additional shredded cheddar on top.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place baking dish in oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until top turns golden brown and edges bubble.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Let mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes. Scoop generous portions and enjoy the creamy, crispy deliciousness.

Tips for Silky Sauce and Bubbly Top

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook macaroni just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and avoid mushy mac and cheese, ensuring a perfect bite every time.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Whisk the roux continuously and add milk gradually to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the pasta perfectly without being too runny or too thick.
• Boost Cheese Flavor: Combine multiple cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a complex, rich flavor profile that elevates the classic mac and cheese.
• Create Crispy Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle extra cheese on top to develop a golden, crunchy layer that adds delightful texture to the creamy dish.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute lactose-free milk and cheese, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, or add protein like crispy bacon or diced chicken to make the recipe adaptable for different preferences.

How to Store and Reheat Mac and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for 1-2 months. Avoid freezing if using breadcrumb topping.
• Warm refrigerated mac and cheese at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Quick reheating option. Place in microwave-safe dish, add a little milk, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.

Great Pairings for Mac and Cheese Night

• Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, creamy cheese flavors, cutting through the heaviness with its tannic structure and providing a sophisticated drinking experience.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the mac and cheese's richness, adding refreshing acidity and providing a textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Add a side of dill pickles or quick-pickled vegetables to introduce a sharp, acidic element that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the indulgent mac and cheese.
• Prepare simple roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts to add nutritional balance and a slightly charred flavor that enhances the overall meal's depth and complexity.

Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this irresistible Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, blending rich cheeses and golden breadcrumbs for a nostalgic Southern classic. Hearty, indulgent flavors meld perfectly, promising a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
• 3 cups (300 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella or Gruyere cheese

Cheese and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs or panko
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and positioning a rack in the center. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, approximately 8-9 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, ensuring no water remains, and set aside.
3. Create a smooth roux in a heavy-bottomed saucepan by melting butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking vigorously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and develop a golden base.
4. Slowly stream warm milk and heavy cream into the roux, continuing to whisk constantly. This technique prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and incorporate shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of paprika for depth.
6. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent heat distribution.
7. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture across the mac and cheese surface, then garnish with additional shredded cheddar for extra texture and flavor.
8. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown, crispy topping and bubbling edges as indicators of perfect doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the sauce to set and prevents burning. Serve immediately, scooping generous portions that showcase the creamy interior and crisp topping.

Notes

• Enhance pasta texture by cooking it just shy of package instructions, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
• Select high-quality sharp cheddar and freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor and smoothest sauce consistency.
• Experiment with cheese blends like gruyère or gouda to create unique flavor profiles and elevate the classic recipe.
• Adjust breadcrumb topping moisture by adding herbs like thyme or parsley for extra aromatic complexity and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 585
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg