Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked mac and cheese takes comfort food to the next level with its velvety cheese sauce and a crispy, golden topping. The creamy sauce is rich and smooth, thanks to a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream, making every bite melt in your mouth. The baked topping adds the perfect balance of crunch to contrast the creamy filling, ensuring each bite is a perfect mix of textures. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can prep it ahead of time, so it’s great for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the mac and cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Pasta:

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this helps thicken the sauce).

3. Add the milk and cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add the cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, continuing to stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Season the sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Mac and Cheese:

6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine, making sure all the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

7. Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Prepare the Topping:

8. Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well coated.

9. Top the mac and cheese: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

Bake:

10. Bake the mac and cheese: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. If you like a crispier topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve:

11. Cool and serve: Let the baked mac and cheese cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the cheese sauce set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

• Bacon Mac and Cheese: Stir in crumbled, cooked bacon to the cheese sauce for a smoky flavor that complements the creamy richness.

• Veggie Mac and Cheese: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the cheese sauce for added nutrition and flavor.

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it needs extra moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the cheeses for others like Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavors and textures. Just make sure to use a mix of cheeses for a creamy and flavorful sauce.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

3. How do I make mac and cheese creamier?

To make it extra creamy, you can add more heavy cream or use a combination of milk and cream. You can also use cream cheese for a velvety texture.

4. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used in place of panko breadcrumbs, but panko will give the topping a lighter, crispier texture.

5. Can I make mac and cheese without baking it?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the baking step and serve the mac and cheese immediately after mixing it with the sauce. It will still be delicious, just without the crispy topping.

6. Can I add more toppings to the mac and cheese?

Definitely! You can add toppings like extra cheese, herbs, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan before baking. Feel free to get creative with your toppings.

7. Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, reheat it in the oven with a little extra cheese or milk.

8. How do I keep the mac and cheese from being too dry?

To prevent dry mac and cheese, make sure the sauce is creamy enough before mixing it with the pasta. If it looks too thick, add a little more milk or cream. Also, cover the dish while baking to lock in moisture.

9. Can I make this recipe without butter?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil or another type of fat, but the flavor and richness may be slightly different. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter or oil.

10. How do I make the mac and cheese more flavorful?

Add additional spices such as mustard powder, paprika, or a bit of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor. You can also mix in some sautéed onions or garlic for a savory boost.

Conclusion

Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. With a rich, cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate indulgence for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as the main dish, this mac and cheese recipe will be a hit with family and friends alike. It’s creamy, cheesy, and simply irresistible!