Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish,rich, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. With its smooth, velvety sauce and tender pasta, this homemade version puts boxed mac and cheese to shame. Whether served as a cozy family dinner or the star of your holiday table, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make a flawlessly creamy cheese sauce, how to bake it for the perfect crust, and tips to customize it for your family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Easy steps, huge flavor payoff.
- Irresistible Taste – Extra-creamy cheese sauce baked until bubbly.
- Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults every time.
- Wholesome & Hearty – Real cheese, real comfort.
- Simple Ingredients – Pantry pasta + basic dairy = perfection.
- Customizable – Add spices, toppings, or mix-ins your way.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Ingredients: Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Make Roux: Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened.
Season: Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add Cheese: Add cheddar and mix until creamy and smooth.
Combine: Stir pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before digging in.
How to Serve
Plating Tips: Add a sprinkle of cheddar or parsley on top.
Side Pairings: Green salad, roasted veggies, BBQ chicken.
Leftover Uses: Mac and cheese bites, mac grilled cheese, reheated bowls.
Beverage Pairing: Apple cider, iced tea, Chardonnay.
Additional Tips
- Use block cheese (not pre-shredded) for better melt.
- Don’t overbake,keeps it creamy!
- Add cream cheese for extra richness.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne or jalapeños.
- Three-Cheese Twist: Cheddar + mozzarella + gouda.
- Crunchy Topping: Buttered panko or crushed Ritz.
- Bacon Upgrade: Add crispy bacon pieces.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: up to 3 days.
Freeze: up to 2 months.
Reheat: stovetop or microwave with splash of milk.
Special Equipment
- Saucepan
- Baking dish
- Whisk
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes,assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely,gouda, Swiss, and Monterey Jack melt beautifully.
Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Conclusion
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the definition of comfort food—simple, rich, and satisfying. With customizable flavors and an ultra-creamy texture, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
