If you have a craving for comfort food that warms your heart and delights your taste buds, this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that perfect balance of rich, gooey cheese and tender pasta all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Every spoonful offers a dreamy, luscious creaminess combined with the irresistible crunch of a buttery breadcrumb topping. This recipe is not just a side dish but a celebration of cozy flavors that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe a killer hit. Each element plays a crucial role in building the perfect creamy texture, sharp cheesy flavor, and beautiful golden crust.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto every bit of cheesy sauce perfectly.
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the sauce its signature tang and richness.
- 2 cups milk: Adds smoothness to the cheese sauce without overpowering it.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides decadent creaminess that elevates the sauce to silky perfection.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a luscious base for the roux that thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Key for turning the butter into a thick, creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without making it too salty.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth into every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the cheese with mild aromatic notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of color to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives the topping a satisfyingly crisp crunch.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure none of that cheesy goodness sticks. Next, boil a large pot of salted water. Adding salt here seasons the pasta itself, which is crucial because it forms the base of the entire dish. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente—firm enough to hold up but tender enough to soak in the sauce later.
Step 2: Make the Roux
While the pasta cooks, melt unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Then whisk in the flour constantly for a couple of minutes until it turns a lovely golden hue. This step is important because cooking the flour removes that raw taste and sets the stage for a super-smooth sauce.
Step 3: Build the Cheese Sauce
Slowly stream in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps, and then add the heavy cream for an ultra-rich, silky texture. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens a bit, about 5 to 7 minutes. Now it’s time to bring on the flavor by stirring in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, giving that classic tangy and slightly smoky undertone. Finally, take the sauce off the heat and fold in 3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy dream.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Drain your macaroni and fold it gently into the velvety cheese sauce, making sure every piece is enveloped in cheesy goodness. Pour this mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top, then finish with the panko breadcrumbs. Pop it into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is irresistibly golden and bubbling with flavor. Let it rest for 5 minutes once out of the oven; this helps it set just right for serving.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives brightens up the dish with color and a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the richness. For a little extra indulgence, a light dusting of smoked paprika or even a drizzle of truffle oil can add a gourmet twist that impresses every time.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or even tangy coleslaw to cut through the cheese’s richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted meats.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the baking dish by serving the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, scoop it into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers for a festive presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When cooled completely before sealing, this keeps the flavors fresh without drying out the cheesy sauce.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, it freezes well. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days when comfort food is a must without the prep time.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in the oven at 350°F until bubbly, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps prevent the sauce from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and gives that signature tang, mixing in cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can add different flavor dimensions and creaminess to your mac and cheese.
Is it necessary to make a roux for the cheese sauce?
Making the roux with butter and flour is key for creating a thick, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Skipping it usually leads to a thinner, less stable sauce, so it’s definitely worth the effort.
Can I use whole milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but heavy cream adds richness and a silky texture that whole milk alone won’t achieve. Using just whole milk might result in a less creamy sauce, but it still tastes good and is lighter.
How do I get a crispy breadcrumb topping?
Using panko breadcrumbs and sprinkling them evenly over the top before baking is crucial. The panko to cheese ratio and baking at 350°F encourage that perfect golden crunch.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free or vegan?
With substitutions like plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese, you can adapt this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe, although the texture and flavor will be a bit different from the traditional version.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly a comforting classic that everyone should experience. It’s more than just pasta and cheese—it’s warm hugs on a plate, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this timeless, cheesy delight and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni envelopes in a rich, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar, milk, and heavy cream. A crispy golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast. Easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavors, it’s an ideal dish for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat to season the pasta and cook it properly.
- Cook Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente, following package instructions closely.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked macaroni using a colander and set it aside to remove excess water and keep the pasta firm.
- Make Roux Base: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat to create the base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Flour: Once butter has melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps and create a smooth sauce.
- Add Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and whisk until the mixture is smooth and combined for extra creaminess.
- Thicken Sauce: Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly to coat the back of a spoon.
- Season Sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to build depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and gently stir to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly for consistent baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mac and cheese base for a cheesy crust.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Evenly distribute the panko breadcrumbs on top of the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest: Remove from oven and let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly for better serving texture.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese as a comforting main or side dish.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger cheese flavor; you can also mix in other cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella for variation.
- Ensure the roux (butter and flour mixture) is cooked properly to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Do not overcook the pasta initially; al dente pasta will hold shape after baking.
- Allow the mac and cheese to rest after baking to thicken further and improve texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for added flavor and texture.
