If you are craving that ultimate comfort food made with love and a velvety texture that hugs your taste buds, this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is the answer to your buttery, cheesy dreams. It’s the perfect marriage of gooey cheeses, tender elbow macaroni, and a golden crust that makes every bite a nostalgic delight. Whether you need a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe brings warmth and richness to your table with simple ingredients and an easy process that anyone can follow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the smoothness of the cheeses to the subtle spices that elevate the sauce. These basics are easily found and come together harmoniously to create that perfect creamy bite.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds cheese sauce beautifully with its little curves and tubes.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, tangy depth that’s the backbone of cheesy flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey stretch and creaminess to the mix.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty kick for complexity.
- 2 cups whole milk: Contributes to the sauce’s smooth and luscious body.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Enriches the sauce with its thick, indulgent texture.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Essential for the roux base, adding richness and silkiness.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Works with butter to thicken the cheesy sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the cheese flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mellow, savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika: Brings warmth and a hint of smoky color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): Creates a crunchy golden crust to contrast the creamy interior.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping): Helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully while adding buttery flavor.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
The very first step to a fantastic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is getting your oven ready at 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish so that your cheesy masterpiece doesn’t stick. Cooking the elbow macaroni just right—firm but tender—sets the foundation for a perfect texture that won’t get mushy.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. This magical mixture is the secret to your sauce’s luscious thickness. Cook it just long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste but not so long that it browns. This step is what makes the cheese sauce velvety and cling beautifully to each macaroni piece.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream to the roux, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble. Now, stir in your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan—watch as they melt into a smooth, rich blend. Add in mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for that perfect seasoning balance that elevates the flavor from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your cheese sauce is perfectly creamy, fold in the cooked macaroni and make sure every noodle is generously coated. This ensures each bite delivers a deliciously cheesy punch. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, ready for the final touch.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
If you love a crunchy top, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it evenly over the casserole. This adds a wonderful texture contrast that makes the Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe even more irresistible. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce bubbles invitingly beneath it. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving for ideal gooeyness.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and colorful twist, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also enhance the warm tones and aroma, making the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted brisket to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch, perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals. Alternatively, add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions either inside the mac and cheese mixture or as toppings for an extra layer of flavor that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the baked dish chilled preserves its creamy texture and lets the flavors meld even further.
Freezing
You can freeze the mac and cheese before baking to save time on busy days. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding some extra time to the baking process to ensure it heats through perfectly.
Reheating
Reheat any leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, which helps maintain that creamy consistency without drying out. Adding a splash of milk or cream before reheating can bring back the luscious texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap in shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure the pasta holds sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute extra whole milk for the cream, but expect a slightly less rich sauce. Some people like to use half-and-half as a middle ground for creaminess.
How do I make this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Also, check that your breadcrumbs are gluten-free or omit them for the topping.
Can I add other cheeses to this recipe?
Definitely! Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack work wonderfully to add different flavor profiles and meltability. Just keep the total cheese quantity about the same for best results.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce thickens too much, whisk in a bit more milk or cream to loosen it. If it’s too thin, continue cooking gently until it reduces and thickens, or add a touch more roux made with butter and flour.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe that makes it a beloved favorite in many households — it’s warm, comforting, and magically satisfying all at once. I encourage you to dive in, personalize it with your favorite cheeses or toppings, and share this deliciousness with friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a treasured classic and why it always brings smiles to the table.
Print
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich and cheesy comfort food classic. Combining sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with a creamy milk and butter sauce, it’s baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping for added texture. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and gently simmers, about 5 minutes.
- Melt Cheeses: Stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until completely melted and smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Remove the sauce from heat once well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni for a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for a tangier flavor; mild cheddar will result in a creamier, less sharp taste.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch to the creamy pasta.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with 2% milk, but the texture will be less rich.
- Make sure to cook the roux well to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving; cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
