Name: Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta); 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

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If there’s one dish that never fails to bring comfort, it’s mac and cheese. But not just any mac and cheese—Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese. Think creamy, gooey cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a crispy, golden-brown top that adds a little crunch to every bite. It’s everything you want in a cheesy, comforting meal, and it’s baked to perfection in the oven. Trust me, this is the kind of mac and cheese that turns a simple dinner into a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is rich, cheesy, and so indulgent. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want something cozy and satisfying but also a little special. The creamy cheese sauce is made from scratch (no powdered cheese packets here!), and the topping gets golden and crispy in the oven, giving you the perfect contrast to the velvety smooth pasta underneath. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can enjoy this homemade classic without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at the main ingredients (full list below):

Elbow macaroni (or any small pasta you prefer)
Sharp cheddar cheese (for that tangy, bold flavor)
Mozzarella cheese (for extra creaminess and stretch)
Whole milk and heavy cream (for the perfect creamy sauce)
Butter, flour, and seasonings (for the roux and sauce base)
Panko breadcrumbs (for that crispy topping)

Full ingredient list with exact measurements is below—let’s dive in!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your macaroni according to the package directions. You want it just slightly undercooked, as it will cook further when baked. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes. This will form the base of your sauce and help thicken it. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking as you go, until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Once the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, add your cheeses—first the sharp cheddar and then the mozzarella. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder or mustard powder for a little extra flavor.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now, pour the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is well coated. The cheese sauce should be thick and creamy, coating each piece of pasta perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. This will give the topping a nice, golden crunch. If you like, you can also add a little grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake the mac and cheese at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you want it extra bubbly, you can place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it rests, and you’ll get that perfect cheesy bite. Serve it hot, and enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness in every spoonful.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Cheese Tip: For the best cheese sauce, use a mix of cheeses. Sharp cheddar gives you that bold, classic flavor, while mozzarella adds extra creaminess. You can also mix in some Gruyère or Gouda for a more gourmet touch.
Pasta Tip: If you want your mac and cheese to hold up well in the oven, use a small, sturdy pasta shape like elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells. These shapes hold the sauce beautifully.
Make it Spicy: Add a little heat to your mac and cheese by stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Bacon Mac and Cheese: Fry up some crispy bacon and crumble it into the mac and cheese for that smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Vegetarian Version: You can make a veggie version by adding some sautéed onions, spinach, or roasted cauliflower to the pasta before baking.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. You can also serve it alongside some grilled chicken or your favorite protein if you’re looking for a heartier meal. And of course, don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea for the perfect touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually continue to develop and taste even better the next day!
Reheating: To reheat, place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese the day before and store it in the fridge. Just add the breadcrumbs before baking, and when you’re ready, bake it as directed.

Can I freeze it? Yes, this mac and cheese freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, bake from frozen or thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese? While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and results in a smoother sauce. If you can, shred your own cheese for the best texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, follow the same steps for making the cheese sauce, then add it to the slow cooker with the cooked pasta. Cook on low for 2-3 hours and top with the breadcrumbs just before serving.

Conclusion

This Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is everything you want in a comfort food dish: creamy, cheesy, and crispy on top. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or whenever you need a little extra indulgence in your life. With its rich, homemade cheese sauce and golden breadcrumb topping, this mac and cheese will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So why not make it tonight? You deserve a bowl of cheesy goodness!

Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Comfort Food, Pasta
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This indulgent and creamy baked mac & cheese features a rich homemade cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy, golden topping. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until just undercooked (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in milk and cream, whisking until smooth and thickened. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
Prepare the Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan (if using).
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumb mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra bubbling.
Serve and Enjoy: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Notes

Cheese Tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Pasta Tip: For a sturdy bake, use small, thick pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or cavatappi.
Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy twist.