This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is comfort food at its best! It’s rich, cheesy, and perfectly baked to give that delightful golden topping. This dish is great for a family dinner or a cozy evening at home. Plus, if you want an even more indulgent recipe, check out this version for the ultimate mac and cheese experience.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this dish! First, it combines a creamy cheese sauce with tender macaroni, making it satisfying for both kids and adults. Second, it’s easy to prepare and requires simple ingredients. Lastly, it can be customized with various toppings to suit your preferences. You may also find Creamy Blueberry Cheesecake Easy 2 useful.
How to Make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This recipe involves cooking the pasta, making a cheesy sauce, and then baking everything together. By combining the right cheeses and spices, you can create a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
For the cheese sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Make the roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.
Make the cheese sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 4–6 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Combine with pasta: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the pasta.
Assemble in baking dish: Pour the cheesy pasta into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Add breadcrumb topping (optional): Mix panko with melted butter and smoked paprika. Sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top. For a crispier topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Cool and serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables. You can also serve it as a main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken or barbecue.
How to Store Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Add in cooked bacon or vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
- If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Variations
- Swap out the cheeses for your favorites, like gouda or fontina.
- For a different flavor, try adding cooked spinach or broccoli.
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it the day before and refrigerate it before baking.
Can I freeze the macaroni and cheese? Yes, it freezes well! Just thaw it in the refrigerator before heating.
What should I serve with macaroni and cheese? It goes well with salads, meats, or even alone as a comfort meal!
Conclusion
This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic dish that’s sure to please any crowd. For more delicious mac and cheese recipes, check out this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Contest-Winning!) or explore the savory Baked Mac and Cheese from RecipeTin Eats for more ideas to suit your taste!
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking. Continue cooking until thickened, about 4-6 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and mix in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- If using, mix panko with melted butter and smoked paprika and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier topping, if desired.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture.
