This creamy baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, cheesy, and perfectly baked with a golden, crispy topping. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese?
This dish takes classic mac and cheese to the next level with a velvety cheese sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s easy to make, reheats beautifully, and is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Here are a few of the key ingredients to make this irresistible dish:
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect shape to hold all the creamy cheese sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, it forms the base of the sauce.
- Butter and flour: These create the roux that thickens the sauce.
- Milk and heavy cream: For that ultra-creamy texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Toasted with butter for a golden, crunchy topping.
(Find the full ingredient list below.)
Directions
Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, then pour into a baking dish. Top with buttery breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden.
Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
- Cheese options: Add a mix of cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Spicy twist: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Protein boost: Add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How can I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Shred your cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until warmed through. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
This creamy baked mac and cheese is a surefire hit for any occasion!
Print
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. With a rich, velvety cheese sauce and a golden, crispy topping, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The blend of cheeses makes it extra flavorful, and the breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, ensuring no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and gradually mix in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina.
- You can make this ahead of time and refrigerate; just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Add cooked bacon, chicken, or veggies for a fun twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg