Name: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re searching for the ultimate ooey-gooey comfort food that brings everyone to the table with a smile, this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is about to become your go-to recipe. Perfectly al dente macaroni bathed in a velvety three-cheese sauce, topped off with a golden, crispy panko layer—this classic American favorite is everything you want in a cozy casserole. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or the star of your holiday spread, you’ll fall in love with every ultra-creamy, cheesy forkful.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese serves a delicious purpose, coming together to create that iconic creamy texture and rich, satisfying flavor. From essential cheeses to the tiniest sprinkle of paprika, here’s what you’ll need to whip up the dreamiest batch ever.

Elbow macaroni (1 pound): Classic pasta shape with plenty of nooks and crannies to soak up all that luscious cheese sauce.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): The rich base for your roux and the magic behind that melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Helps create a smooth, thick sauce without any lumps.
Whole milk (3 cups): For a creamy and full-bodied cheese sauce—no watery texture here!
Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings the richness to another level and ensures unbeatable creaminess.
Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle tang that beautifully balances all that cheese.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every layer, highlighting cheesy flavors perfectly.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a touch of bite.
Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): For that subtle background savoriness that keeps everyone guessing.
Paprika (¼ teaspoon): Gives a hint of color and faint smoky undertones.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (3 cups): Melts beautifully and delivers classic mac and cheese flavor with a punch.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Lends a fantastic stretch and creamy melt.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds depth and a salty, nutty bite to the mix.
Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup—topping): Creates that irresistibly crisp, golden finish on top.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons—topping): Helps the breadcrumbs toast to perfection.
Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons—topping): Rounds out the crunchy topping with bold flavor.

How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Baking Dish

Kicking things off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the elbow macaroni, and cook just until al dente—about a minute less than what the package recommends. Drain the pasta and set it aside; you want the noodles to hold their shape so the Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese stays perfectly textured after baking.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In the same pot you cooked the pasta in, melt the butter over medium heat. Once bubbling, sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about 1–2 minutes until it’s golden and smells a bit nutty. This step is the secret to a super-smooth, lump-free cheese sauce!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent any clumps. Simmer the mixture, stirring gently, for 4–5 minutes until it thickens up and can coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika—these seasonings bring lively layers to the creamy sauce and make the flavors really pop.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Lower the heat, then add all the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything is fully melted and the sauce is silky and smooth. Don’t hesitate to sneak a little taste at this point—this blend is what puts the “creamy” in Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese!

Step 5: Combine Sauce and Pasta

Return the cooked pasta to the pot and gently mix it with the cheesy sauce, making sure each macaroni is completely coated. The sauce should be generous; it will thicken further as it bakes, so don’t worry if it seems very saucy at this stage.

Step 6: Assemble and Top

Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, toss together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and extra Parmesan until everything is well mixed. Sprinkle this crumbly topping all over the mac and cheese for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbling and toasted to a beautiful golden brown. For a truly crispy topping, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep an eye out so it doesn’t overbrown! Let it rest for about five minutes before scooping into bowls.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A few quick garnishes can make your Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese look as irresistible as it tastes. Try a shower of thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of fresh chives, or a dusting of smoked paprika across the golden crust. If you want some extra flair, add crispy bacon bits or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is absolutely luxurious all on its own but really shines alongside a fresh, leafy green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted broccoli or green beans pair perfectly, balancing out the richness and adding beautiful color to your plate. And if you’re making Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese for a special gathering, serve it as a hearty side with roasted chicken or a holiday ham.

Creative Ways to Present

For appetizers, bake individual portions in ramekins for a charming dinner party touch. Or, shape cooled squares of leftovers, coat them in breadcrumbs, and bake or fry as delicious mac and cheese bites. Consider layering your mac and cheese with sautéed spinach, roasted vegetables, or even pulled barbecue chicken for an adventurous twist on the casserole classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Simply let the mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, making it a supremely satisfying next-day lunch or quick after-school snack.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese! For best results, skip the baking step and freeze the casserole right after assembling (and before adding the panko topping). Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add your topping, and bake until bubbly and heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, either warm individual servings in the microwave (covered, so it doesn’t dry out), or re-bake the casserole at 350°F, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Cover with foil for the first 10 minutes to keep the topping from overbrowning, then uncover and bake for another 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, shells or cavatappi work just as well and do a great job catching all that rich, cheesy sauce.

Is it possible to make this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. Opt for gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers for the topping and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to add extra flavor?

Get playful with stir-ins like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even a pinch of cayenne or truffle oil for an elevated twist. You can also experiment with other cheeses, such as Gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda.

Can I make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Certainly! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Let it come to room temperature and add the breadcrumb topping just before sliding it into the oven for the freshest texture.

How do I prevent my mac and cheese from getting dry?

The secret is to have enough sauce coating the pasta before it goes in the oven and to avoid overbaking. Adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating keeps leftovers just as luscious as when freshly made.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of a foolproof, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s every bit as decadent as it looks, give this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese a try. It’s the ultimate comfort food to share with friends and family—or to enjoy for some well-deserved solo self-care. Happy cooking!

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe. Rich and cheesy, with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Mac and Cheese:

1 pound elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Sauce: Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Add mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
Combine and Bake: Add cooked pasta to sauce, pour into baking dish. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over mac and cheese. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving.