CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

 

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese – Comfort Food Perfection

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. With its rich, velvety sauce, tender pasta, and golden, bubbly topping, this classic dish is pure happiness in a casserole dish. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this recipe delivers everything you love about homemade mac and cheese—creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and cheesy. It starts with a smooth, flavorful cheese sauce that coats every noodle, then finishes in the oven to develop a lightly crisped top layer. The result is the ultimate comfort dish that’s loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

For the pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape

• Salt, for the pasta water

For the cheese sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)

• 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon paprika or dry mustard powder (optional, for flavor boost)

For the topping:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.

2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until smooth and slightly golden.

3. Add the milk and cream: Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

4. Add cheese and seasonings: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheeses, salt, pepper, and optional spices until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat every piece.

6. Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top along with extra cheese.

7. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

8. Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

• Grate your own cheese – pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting smoothly.

• Use multiple cheeses – combining cheddar with mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack adds depth and creaminess.

• Don’t overbake – too much oven time can dry it out; bake just until golden and bubbling.

A Classic Dish Everyone Loves

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort meal—simple, soul-warming, and absolutely delicious. It’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a cozy dish that never fails to impress.

Rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy—once you try this homemade baked mac and cheese, you’ll never go back to the boxed kind again!