Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

why make this recipe

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying, perfect for family dinners, movie nights, or just because you want a treat. With its gooey cheese and crispy topping, this dish takes you back to childhood memories. It’s simple to make and can please both kids and adults alike!

how to make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

For the cheese sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.

3. Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.

4. Make the cheese sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 4–6 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

6. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the pasta.

7. Assemble in baking dish: Pour the cheesy pasta into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.

8. Add breadcrumb topping (optional): Mix panko with melted butter and smoked paprika. Sprinkle over the top of the pasta.

9. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top. For a crispier topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

10. Cool and serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

how to serve Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Serve the creamy baked macaroni and cheese warm, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables. You can also enjoy it as a main dish or as a tasty side to grilled meats or fried chicken.

how to store Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

To store leftovers, let the macaroni and cheese cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.

tips to make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Use good quality cheese: The flavor and meltiness of your mac and cheese will greatly depend on the cheese you use. Sharp cheddar gives a nice depth of flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking the macaroni just to al dente ensures it stays firm and does not get mushy when baked.
• Add a spice kick: Consider mixing in a bit of cayenne pepper or using pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed vegetables for added flavor.

variation

You can make this recipe with different types of pasta, like shells or rotini. Additionally, you can try different cheese combinations, such as gouda or colby jack. If you want a lighter version, use low-fat milk and cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

2. Can I freeze Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Make sure it’s in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are great choices. You can mix in other cheeses like gouda or fontina for different flavors!

Enjoy making this delicious and creamy dish!

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A rich and cheesy dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal, perfect for family dinners and movie nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the pasta

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

For the cheese sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.

Making the cheese sauce

• Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 4–6 minutes.
• Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
• Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta.

Assembly and Baking

• Pour the cheesy pasta into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
• Mix panko with melted butter and smoked paprika, then sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top. For a crispier topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
• Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Notes

Use good quality cheese for better flavor and meltiness. Don't overcook the pasta to ensure it remains firm. Add cayenne pepper for a spicy twist and experiment with toppings like crispy bacon bits or sautéed vegetables.

Keyword Baked Pasta, Cheesy Dish, Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta, Macaroni and Cheese