Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

The beauty of this creamy baked mac and cheese lies in the perfect balance of texture and flavor. As the cheese sauce melts and bubbles in the oven, it creates a rich, velvety coating that hugs each piece of pasta. The combination of sharp cheddar and the silky smoothness of Gruyère gives the dish a depth that’s both comforting and luxurious. The breadcrumb topping, golden and crisp, adds just the right amount of crunch, giving a satisfying contrast to the smoothness beneath. When you take that first bite, the warmth and richness wrap around your senses like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, filling the room with the unmistakable aroma of home-cooked goodness.

What I love most about this dish is how versatile it can be. You can swap out the cheeses to suit your taste—maybe a bit of mozzarella for extra stretch, or a touch of parmesan for a salty bite. You can also mix in extras like crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or even a handful of fresh spinach to sneak in some greens. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for experimenting, so feel free to get creative with your add-ins! Each variation offers something new, but the creamy, cheesy base remains the heart of it all, making it a dish that never fails to bring smiles to the table.

Key Ingredients in Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Each ingredient in this creamy baked mac and cheese plays a vital role in achieving that rich, comforting dish we all crave. Whether it’s adding the perfect balance of flavors, enhancing the texture, or creating the golden crust on top, each element works together to make this recipe irresistibly delicious.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for mac and cheese, these little curves hold just the right amount of sauce in every bite, ensuring the perfect ratio of cheese to pasta.
• Butter: Rich and creamy, butter serves as the base for the sauce, helping to create that silky smooth texture and enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the thickening agent for the cheese sauce. It combines with the butter to form a roux, giving the sauce the ideal consistency without being too runny or too thick.
• Whole Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to the sauce, ensuring that it’s smooth and rich. It blends perfectly with the cheese to create that velvety, indulgent sauce.
• Heavy Cream: For extra richness, the heavy cream elevates the dish to new heights, making the sauce even more luscious and indulgent. It’s what gives this mac and cheese its luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Sharp cheddar brings a tangy, bold flavor that balances perfectly with the richness of the sauce. It’s the backbone of the cheese sauce and provides that deliciously familiar taste we all love.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella adds a creamy, stretchy texture to the cheese sauce, giving the dish that satisfying gooey pull with each bite. It also helps to create a smooth, melty texture when baked.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle yet impactful flavor booster, garlic powder adds warmth and depth to the sauce without overpowering the cheese.
• Onion Powder: This adds a bit of savory sweetness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making the cheese shine.
• Ground Mustard: A touch of mustard provides a gentle tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese, adding a hint of brightness to balance the dish.
• Ground Black Pepper: Pepper adds a mild kick and complexity to the flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to bring out the natural flavors of the cheese and the other ingredients, creating a perfectly seasoned dish.
• Breadcrumbs: The crispy topping adds the finishing touch to this baked mac and cheese, giving you that satisfying crunch on top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta underneath.
• Butter (for topping): A little extra butter brushed on the breadcrumbs before baking gives them that golden, crispy finish that takes the texture to the next level.

How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Pair it with a Fresh Green Salad The richness of baked mac and cheese calls for something fresh to balance out the indulgence. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast. The acidity in the dressing cuts through the creamy cheese, making each bite feel light and refreshing. Toss in some arugula, spinach, or even a handful of cherry tomatoes for extra flavor!

Add a Protein Boost If you’re looking to turn your mac and cheese into a more substantial meal, try adding some protein! Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even some spicy sausage can take this dish to the next level. The smoky bacon or savory sausage pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, adding extra layers of flavor that will have everyone reaching for more.

Serve it as a Side with BBQ Mac and cheese is a classic side dish for BBQ, and for good reason! The creamy, cheesy goodness complements smoky ribs, pulled pork, or grilled burgers perfectly. The richness helps balance the bold flavors of BBQ, making it an unforgettable combination at your next cookout or family dinner.

What’s your favorite way to serve mac and cheese? I love it with a side of smoky BBQ myself—there’s just something about that contrast!

How to Store Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

If you happen to have leftovers (though I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t!), storing your creamy baked mac and cheese properly will keep it tasting just as delicious the next time you dig in. First things first, make sure to let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing it. Placing hot mac and cheese directly into the fridge can cause condensation and make the breadcrumbs soggy, which is something we definitely want to avoid!

Once cooled, cover the mac and cheese tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warmed through, and if you want to revive that crispy topping, throw it under the broiler for a few minutes.

For longer storage, you can freeze your mac and cheese. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it the same way you would refrigerated leftovers. While the breadcrumb topping might not be as crisp after freezing, the creamy, cheesy goodness will still be there, ready to warm your soul.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a recipe that’s not just a meal but a cozy experience all on its own. From the velvety cheese sauce to that perfectly golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, creamy baked mac and cheese is a dish that will warm your heart and fill your kitchen with the most comforting aromas. The best part? It’s so versatile! You can tweak it to fit your taste, whether you’re adding crispy bacon, extra veggies, or even turning it into a main with a protein boost. It’s one of those dishes that’s always a hit, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just treating yourself to something indulgent.

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Do you have any fun twists of your own you like to add to your mac and cheese? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite way to serve it up? If you try this recipe, let me know how it goes, or if you need any help with it—I’m always here to chat! Feel free to share your thoughts or drop any questions you have. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Print Recipe

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Rich, velvety cheese envelops every tender macaroni bite in this creamy baked mac and cheese. With a golden, crispy top and a luscious, cheesy center, it’s comfort food at its finest—warm, satisfying, and simply irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground mustard

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
4. Drain the macaroni in a colander and set it aside.
5. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
6. Once the butter is fully melted, sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to make a roux.
7. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to remove the raw flour taste.
8. Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while continuously whisking to ensure the mixture is smooth.
9. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the pot and continue whisking until the mixture is thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
10. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth.
11. Season the cheese sauce with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring to combine.
12. Add the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
13. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
14. In a small bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
15. Stir the melted butter into 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
16. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
17. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
18. Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Note

• Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• For extra creaminess, add a little more heavy cream or cheese to the sauce.
• Consider adding cooked bacon or sautéed onions for added flavor.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

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