Dreamy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort Fans

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible baked mac and cheese that promises pure culinary bliss.

Layers of rich, melted cheese cascade over perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors.

Every forkful delivers a creamy texture that melts in your mouth with decadent goodness.

The golden-brown crispy top adds a delightful crunch that elevates this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Sharp cheddar and smooth mozzarella blend seamlessly to create a luxurious base that sings with cheesy perfection.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will never be the same once you savor this ultimate mac and cheese masterpiece.

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serving Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese The Right Way

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this creamy mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the richness and add freshness.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform the dish into a hearty main course.
• Wine and Dine Delight: Serve alongside a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the cheesy goodness.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions to add extra nutrition and depth of flavor to the classic comfort meal.

Keep Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover mac and cheese in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy texture.
• Freezing Friendly Technique: Portion cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays fresh up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Revive chilled mac and cheese by adding a splash of milk when warming. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat in a 350F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes to restore original creaminess.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire dish in advance, covering unbaked mac and cheese with plastic wrap. Refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, remove plastic, add breadcrumb topping, and bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to original baking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s In Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly, choose a high-quality pasta with ridges for better sauce absorption.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella, Parmesan: Create rich, melty layers of flavor, select aged varieties for deeper taste profiles.
• Butter: Provides silky texture and helps create a smooth roux foundation.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and ensures a luxurious, velvety consistency.
• Milk: Delivers creaminess and helps blend cheese into a uniform sauce.

• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tangy complexity to the cheese sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces a gentle, aromatic warmth.
• Salt and Pepper: Balance and elevate overall seasoning.
• Breadcrumbs: Create a delightful crispy golden crust.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh finish.

All The Tools For Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Large saucepan: Essential for creating creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Key for smooth roux and preventing lumpy sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for even mac and cheese distribution.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Small bowl: For mixing breadcrumb topping.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and folding ingredients.

How To Bake Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside, ready for the cheesy transformation.

• Sauce Foundation

Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk until smooth, creating a silky base for the sauce.

• Liquid Magic

Slowly pour milk into the butter mixture, stirring continuously. Watch the sauce thicken and become creamy, creating a luxurious backdrop for the cheese.

• Cheese Wonderland

Lower the heat and add seasonings. Introduce various cheeses, stirring until they melt into a dreamy, smooth sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Baking Setup

Warm the oven to 375F. Grease a baking dish and transfer the cheesy pasta mixture, spreading it evenly for maximum deliciousness.

• Crispy Topping

Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle generously over the mac and cheese, creating a golden, crunchy layer.

• Final Flourish

Bake until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with cheesy goodness. For extra crispness, briefly broil the top.

• Serving

Let the casserole rest for a few moments. Scoop onto plates and enjoy the creamy, comforting masterpiece.

Flavor Add-Ins For Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just under al dente since it continues cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture and ensuring a perfect bite every time.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheese freshly and at room temperature for smoother melting, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that can make sauce grainy.
• Sauce Rescue Technique: If sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a little warm milk or pasta water to restore creamy consistency without compromising flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise taste.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use vegan cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese shreds for a delicious lactose-free adaptation.

Velvety Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mac and cheese with a golden, crispy topping delivers comfort on a plate. Cheesy goodness meets crisp breadcrumbs in this classic American favorite you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
• 3 cups (300 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella or Gruyere cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
• 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs or panko
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in heavily salted water until al dente, then drain completely and set aside to air dry, ensuring optimal sauce absorption.
2. Roux Foundation: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, whisking flour into a smooth, pale mixture without browning, creating a robust base for the cheese sauce.
3. Sauce Development: Gradually stream milk into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until the mixture thickens and develops a luxurious, velvety texture that clings elegantly to a spoon.
4. Flavor Infusion: Lower heat and incorporate Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Methodically blend cheese varieties, stirring until each melts seamlessly into a creamy, harmonious sauce.
5. Assembling Dish: Fold pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring complete and even coating. Transfer to a buttered baking dish, spreading the mixture uniformly to guarantee consistent flavor distribution.
6. Crispy Topping: Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan, sprinkling the golden mixture across the surface to create a crunchy, textural contrast with the creamy interior.
7. Baking Process: Place in a preheated 375°F oven, baking until the top achieves a golden-brown crust and the interior bubbles with savory anticipation. Optional: finish with a brief broil for extra crispness.
8. Serving Presentation: Rest the mac and cheese momentarily after removing from the oven, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to stabilize. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Boil pasta just until al dente to maintain structural integrity and prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Select high-quality, sharp cheeses and grate them freshly to enhance melting capabilities and create a smoother, more robust sauce without graininess.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk constantly while creating the roux and adding milk to eliminate lumps, achieving a silky sauce that coats pasta evenly without separating.
• Customize Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular milk with plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, or incorporate protein-rich mix-ins like crispy bacon or roasted vegetables for personalized variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg