If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s everything you love about classic mac and cheese, elevated with a rich, velvety cheese sauce and a perfectly golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy dairy, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni creates a dreamy texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, this dish promises to delight every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element, from the sharp cheddar to the buttery breadcrumbs, plays a vital role in making the dish irresistibly good.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding onto that luscious cheese sauce.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a robust and tangy flavor, with 4 cups for a deeply cheesy experience.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and thins out the sauce just right without overpowering it.
- Heavy cream: Brings a rich, velvety texture that makes the sauce truly decadent.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a smooth roux base to thicken the cheese sauce beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for the roux, ensuring the sauce is perfectly thick and not runny.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the richness.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with a subtle, savory aroma.
- Onion powder: Deepens the flavor without adding texture.
- Paprika: A dash for mild earthiness and a hint of color.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that perfect crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy pasta.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish; this ensures your mac and cheese won’t stick and will bake evenly. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—don’t skip the salt because it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente, about 8-10 minutes, giving you that perfect tender bite that won’t turn mushy in the oven.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This roux is the foundation of your sauce, thickening it and adding a slight toasted flavor that’s key for delightful depth.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Let the mixture cook, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly—usually about 5-7 minutes. This step is where the sauce turns velvety and luscious. Next, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Combine with Pasta
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. The sharp cheddar adds a tangy richness that defines the dish. Fold in the cooked macaroni gently, ensuring every piece is coated with that dreamy cheese sauce, making sure no noodle gets left behind.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top, then finish with a generous layer of panko breadcrumbs to get that satisfying crunch. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbling with cheesy goodness. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let all the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe further, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A light drizzle of truffle oil can also add a luxurious twist, while a few crispy bacon bits bring extra savoriness and texture that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a hearty main, but it’s equally spectacular alongside fresh, crisp greens like a tangy arugula salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a balanced meal, serve it with steamed veggies or a bright tomato and cucumber salad to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, serve individual portions in mini ramekins topped with extra breadcrumbs. You can also turn this into a mac and cheese “bar” by adding mix-ins like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or spicy jalapeños so everyone builds their dream bowl right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese stays delicious when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal that’s easy to reheat.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the mac and cheese with foil to prevent drying out and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional and delicious, you can mix in mozzarella for melty stretchiness or gouda for a smoky twist. Just keep the cheese ratio similar for the best creamy texture.
Is it necessary to boil the pasta before baking?
Yes, cooking the pasta al dente before baking ensures it’s perfectly tender and avoids a mushy texture after baking. Raw pasta won’t absorb the sauce properly and could result in uneven cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian since it doesn’t include meat. Just be sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheese if that’s a concern, as some cheeses use animal rennet.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an even crispier topping, toss the panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them on the mac and cheese. This helps them brown nicely and adds a buttery crunch.
What if I want to add protein?
You can add cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or even sautéed sausage to turn this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe into a filling one-dish meal. Just fold it in right before transferring to the baking dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and that nostalgic cheesy goodness we all crave. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to boxed versions. So grab your ingredients, give it a go, and prepare to fall in love with one of the coziest dishes around.
Print
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar, milk, and heavy cream. Topped with a crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs and extra cheese, it is baked to golden perfection for a comforting and classic dish perfect for any meal.
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 boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the macaroni.
- Cook Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, following package directions.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the macaroni using a colander and set it aside to prepare the cheese sauce.
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat to begin the roux base.
- Make Roux: Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden, which cooks out the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce base.
- Add Cream: Whisk in the heavy cream until smooth and well combined with the milk mixture.
- Thicken Sauce: Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring often, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes, forming a creamy béchamel base.
- Season Sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to infuse the sauce with flavor.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat every piece with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Evenly distribute 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs over the cheese layer for a crunchy texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest: Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
- Serve: Serve the creamy baked mac and cheese hot and enjoy this comforting classic meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy taste; mild cheddar can be used for a subtler flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs give the topping a crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs can work as well.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
- This recipe is best served fresh but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently.
