If there’s one dish that never fails to bring comfort, it’s homemade baked mac and cheese. This recipe is ultra-creamy, loaded with melty cheese, and topped with a buttery, golden crust. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, holiday gathering, or just because—you can’t go wrong with this classic, crowd-pleasing dish.
Forget the boxed stuff—this version uses real cheese, a rich homemade sauce, and a crispy baked topping for the ultimate mac and cheese experience.
Why This Recipe Works
- A velvety, creamy cheese sauce coats every piece of pasta.
- Baking creates a crispy, golden top layer while keeping the inside extra creamy.
- Uses three types of cheese for maximum flavor and texture.
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 25 minutes)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances the cheese flavor)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese
For the Crispy Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni 1 minute less than al dente (since it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste (this removes the raw flour taste).
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
3. Add the Cheese and Seasonings
Turn the heat to low and stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. Gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gouda cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
4. Combine with Pasta
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Make the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let It Rest & Serve
Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes scooping easier.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly grated cheese – pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Since it bakes, slightly undercooking it prevents mushy noodles.
- For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of milk before baking.
- Try different cheese combos – Gruyère, Swiss, or white cheddar add amazing flavor!
What to Serve With Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is great on its own, but pairs well with:
- Grilled or fried chicken – for a classic combo.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans – for a bit of freshness.
- A fresh garden salad – to balance the richness.
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork – the ultimate comfort food pairing.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything (but don’t bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
A: Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Q: How do I keep mac and cheese creamy?
A: Use whole milk and heavy cream for richness. Also, avoid overbaking—too much time in the oven can dry it out.
Q: Can I add meat or veggies?
A: Definitely! Stir in cooked bacon, ham, shredded chicken, or sautéed spinach before baking for a heartier dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy. It’s easy to make, super satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal, weeknight dinner, or potluck gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!
Try this recipe and let me know how you like it! Did you add a special twist, like extra spices or mix-ins? However you make it, one thing’s for sure—it’s pure comfort food perfection. Happy cooking!
The Creamiest Baked Mac and Cheese – A Comfort Food Classic
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)
- 4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Add in the cooked macaroni and stir until coated.
- Fold in the mozzarella, Gouda, and 2 cups of the grated Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining 2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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