The Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm, creamy, cheesy dish of baked macaroni and cheese. This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of silky cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a golden bubbly topping that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, holiday feast, potluck, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
Forget boxed mac and cheese — this homemade version is rich, flavorful, and made completely from scratch with real cheese. The secret is a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, combined with a creamy béchamel-style sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Once baked, it becomes gooey on the inside and beautifully golden on top.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (firm to the bite). This is important because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and bubbly. This creates the roux, the base for the cheese sauce.
3. Add Milk & Cream
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
4. Add Seasonings & Cheese
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Reduce heat to low and stir in 3 cups of cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring well so every piece of pasta is coated.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour in half the mac and cheese mixture. Sprinkle with half of the remaining cheddar and mozzarella. Add the rest of the mac and cheese on top, then finish with the last layer of cheese.
7. Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
8. Rest & Serve
Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly for the creamiest texture.
Serving Suggestions
This baked mac and cheese is delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully as a side dish. Try serving it with:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- A fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or cornbread
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
Tips for the Creamiest Baked Mac and Cheese
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente since it will continue baking.
- Use sharp cheddar – It gives the sauce that classic tangy flavor.
- Mix cheese varieties – Mozzarella makes it stretchy, while cheddar gives flavor.
- Make ahead – Assemble the mac and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake before serving.
- Breadcrumb topping option – For extra crunch, mix 1 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
Variations
- Three-Cheese Mac: Add Gruyère or Monterey Jack for more depth of flavor.
- Spicy Mac: Mix in diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Bacon Mac: Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Veggie Mac: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a hearty twist.
- Truffle Mac: Drizzle with truffle oil before serving for a gourmet touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
2. Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Yes! Bake it first, let it cool, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
3. Can I make this without baking?
Absolutely. If you prefer stovetop mac and cheese, just stop at step 5 and serve it straight from the pot.
4. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, and indulgent. It’s perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to boxed mac and cheese again!