Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food made with tender pasta, a rich cheese sauce, and a golden, crispy topping. It is creamy inside, cheesy on top, and easy to make for a family dinner or a special gathering.
This homemade mac and cheese combines simple ingredients with plenty of cheese for a warm and satisfying dish that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just tender.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute until smooth.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
3. Add the cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.
4. Combine the pasta and sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until every piece of pasta is well coated.
5. Prepare the topping
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Transfer the mac and cheese to a lightly greased baking dish.
Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top, then add the extra shredded cheddar.
6. Bake
Bake for about 20-25 minutes , until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
For an extra crispy topping, you can broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so it does not burn.
7. Serve
Let the mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm while the cheese sauce is still creamy and delicious.
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
- Cook the pasta just until tender because it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Shred the cheese yourself for a smoother sauce.
- Do not cook the cheese sauce over high heat, as the cheese can become grainy.
- Add a little more cheddar on top for a richer golden crust.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese works well as a main dish or a side dish. You can serve it with:
- Fried chicken
- Grilled chicken
- BBQ ribs
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
Final Thoughts
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is an easy homemade comfort food with tender pasta, a rich cheese sauce, and a golden baked topping. It is simple enough for a weeknight meal and delicious enough for family gatherings and holidays.
If you love classic cheesy comfort food, this baked mac and cheese is a recipe worth adding to your dinner table.