Irresistibly Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort

Crafting the ultimate creamy baked mac and cheese feels like a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Comfort arrives in a bubbling casserole dish, promising pure deliciousness.

Cheesy goodness melts into every single pasta curve, creating magic on your plate.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, turning simple macaroni into something extraordinary.

Sharp cheddar and smooth gruyère dance together, promising depth beyond basic recipes.

Crispy breadcrumb edges add perfect crunch to this irresistible classic.

Savor each forkful and let this mac and cheese become your new comfort food obsession.

What Makes Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Special

• A creamy, indulgent mac and cheese that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with every single bite.
• Beginner-friendly recipe requiring basic cooking skills and minimal kitchen equipment, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a delicious, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Easily adaptable recipe where you can swap cheeses, add proteins like bacon or chicken, or include extra vegetables to suit personal tastes and nutritional preferences.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredient List

• Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that forms the base of this comforting dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and rich flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a smooth and stretchy texture to the mac and cheese.

• Milk: Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux and crispy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty and nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and crunchy topping for textural contrast.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth consistency.

How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your favorite pot and fill it with water.

Toss in a pinch of salt and bring it to a rolling boil.

Drop in the macaroni and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

The pasta will be the delicious foundation of our cheesy masterpiece.

Step 2: Craft a Velvety Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk quickly to create a smooth base.

Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.

Let the mixture simmer and thicken, transforming into a silky sauce.

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious sauce.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Combine and Prepare for Baking

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every single pasta piece gets a creamy coating.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle this golden mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide the dish into a preheated oven.

Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the sauce starts bubbling with excitement.

This should take about 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the mac and cheese out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

The wait will be worth it!

Scoop onto plates and watch as everyone digs in with pure joy.

Tips for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Success

• Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy mac and cheese, ensuring a perfect firm bite every time.
• Whisk milk slowly into the roux to eliminate lumps and guarantee a smooth, creamy cheese sauce that coats pasta beautifully.
• Mix multiple cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a complex, rich taste profile that elevates the classic dish.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs before sprinkling on top for extra golden, crispy texture that adds delightful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
• Cover with foil during initial baking if the top browns too quickly, ensuring a moist and luscious final result.

How to Reheat Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the mac and cheese tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorb other food odors.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, add a little milk or cream to prevent drying. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Sides That Match Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Toss together a light, zesty mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the creamy mac and cheese.
• Complement with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to balance the cheesy, creamy flavors and add depth to the meal.
• Match with Smoky Protein Side: Serve alongside grilled chicken or crispy bacon to introduce a protein element that enhances the mac and cheese's comfort food profile.
• Refresh with Citrus-Infused Beverage: Prepare a lemon-lime sparkling water or a light citrus cocktail to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy dish.

Recipe Ideas to Switch Up Baked Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free macaroni for celiac-friendly version.
• Veggie Power Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli, spinach, or cauliflower florets to increase nutritional value and add vibrant color.
• Protein-Packed Option: Stir in cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled plant-based protein for extra protein and heartier meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap some cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this mac and cheese recipe?

Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a perfect creamy and flavorful combination. Sharp cheddar adds more depth, while mozzarella contributes to the smooth texture.

• Can I make this mac and cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free macaroni and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

• How can I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Use room temperature cheese, add it gradually, and stir constantly on low heat. Remove the sauce from heat before fully melting the cheese to maintain a smooth consistency.

• Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the mac and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mac and Cheese Delight brings comfort to your table with a luscious blend of melted cheeses and golden-brown crust. Rich, velvety pasta promises pure satisfaction for hungry souls craving classic American comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F) and prepare a 2-quart baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until perfectly tender yet firm, following package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a velvety roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for approximately 60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Slowly incorporate milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and maintain a smooth consistency. Simmer until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Reduce heat and fold in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and integrated. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for depth of flavor.
6. Gently fold cooked macaroni into the luxurious cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is generously coated.
7. Transfer the cheesy mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Prepare the crispy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and additional Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the surface.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become delightfully crispy and bubbling.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. Serve warm as a comforting main dish or delectable side.

Notes

• Enhance cheese flavor by using a blend of sharp cheddar and mild cheeses for depth and complexity.
• Prevent dry mac and cheese by adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce for extra creaminess.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta.
• Boost nutritional value by mixing in roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach before baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 632 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg