Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. While stovetop mac & cheese is creamy and quick, baking it in the oven creates a golden, cheesy crust that adds texture and richness. This version is extra creamy inside with a crunchy topping outside — the best of both worlds!

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 5 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but adds flavor)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère or Fontina cheese, shredded (optional but highly recommended)

For the Topping

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp dried parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook macaroni until just al dente (slightly firm, since it will cook more in the oven).
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux (this removes the raw flour taste).
  3. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Cook until the sauce thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
  5. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Mac & Cheese

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl (or directly in the pot if big enough).
  3. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (or larger) baking dish

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  2. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving (this helps the sauce set).

Benefits of This Dish

  • Comfort food: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.
  • Feeds a crowd: Serves about 8–10 people, great for potlucks and family dinners.
  • Customizable: Add bacon, caramelized onions, jalapeños, broccoli, or chicken for variety.
  • Texture balance: Creamy interior with a crunchy topping.
  • Meal prep friendly: Can be made ahead and baked later.

Pro Tips

  • Use block cheese and shred it yourself — pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect creaminess.
  • For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
  • For extra decadence, stir in some cream cheese (4 oz) into the sauce.

Conclusion

This creamy baked macaroni and cheese is rich, cheesy, and utterly comforting. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or when you just crave classic comfort food, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing dish with every bite. It’s not just pasta and cheese — it’s love in a casserole dish!

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