If you’ve ever dreamed of a mac and cheese that’s the ultimate comfort food, creamy, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection, then you’re in for a treat. This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. With its rich, velvety cheese sauce and golden baked top, it’s the kind of classic that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a dose of home-cooked happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial part in building the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and texture that makes this dish so irresistible. You’ll find that with just a handful of everyday pantry staples, you can create magic in your kitchen.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (1/2 lb): The classic pasta shape that holds onto every bit of luscious cheese sauce.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create the base for the smooth cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency without lumps.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the recipe for a perfectly balanced taste.
- Ground black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Adds just a touch of subtle warmth and depth.
- Milk (1 1/2 cups): Any kind works; it creates the silky, creamy base of the cheese sauce.
- Half and half (3/4 cup): Boosts creaminess without overpowering the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 1/2 cups): The star of the show, providing that rich, sharp flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F and lightly greasing an 8-inch square baking dish. This ensures that when your creamy masterpiece is ready, it won’t stick and will brown beautifully on top.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente — firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for the sauce to embrace it in cheesiness.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until shimmering. Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper, cooking this roux for about 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and half and half, stirring constantly so the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and gently fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, stirring just until it melts into silky smoothness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce ensuring every noodle is lovingly coated. Pour half of this cheesy pasta into your prepared baking dish, sprinkle half a cup of cheese over the top, then add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese. This layering will help create those irresistible melty pockets inside and a golden crust on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that glorious melted, lightly bubbly cheese on top — that’s when you know it’s ready to come out and be devoured.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
While this mac and cheese is a star on its own, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of fresh flavor. For a little crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits make stunning garnishes that elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a refreshing side salad to balance its richness. For heartier meals, serve alongside smoked sausages, roasted chicken, or your favorite grilled meats to round out a satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual portions in ramekins for lovely personal servings at dinner parties. For a fun twist, swirl in some cooked veggies like butternut squash or spinach before baking to add color and nutrition. This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is versatile enough to invite your own creative flairs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mac and cheese keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain that creamy texture, avoid stacking heavy items on top and give it a gentle stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this creamy dish by wrapping tightly in freezer-safe containers or foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts and stir in between for even warming without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness or sharp gouda for smoky depth. Just keep the total cheese amount about the same for a great texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute plant-based milk and non-dairy butter alternatives, but make sure to use a dairy-free cheese that melts well. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What if I don’t have elbow macaroni? Can I use other pasta?
Definitely! Small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne work perfectly with this sauce. Avoid very thin pastas that might get mushy or shapes too large that won’t hold sauce well.
How do I get a crispier topping on my baked mac and cheese?
For a golden crunchy top, sprinkle a little panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking. You can also broil the last 2 minutes for an extra bubbly, crisp finish just watch closely to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade, creamy, cheesy, baked mac and cheese that just can’t be beaten. I hope you give this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe a try and find it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen too. It’s simple to make, deeply satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.
Print
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, comforting homemade mac and cheese recipe featuring a smooth cheese sauce combined with tender elbow macaroni, baked to perfection with a golden cheesy topping. Ideal for a family-friendly meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 lb uncooked elbow macaroni (225 g)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter (43 g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups milk (any kind, 360 ml)
- 3/4 cup half and half (180 ml)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (250 g), divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square or similarly sized baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and half and half while stirring constantly. Continue cooking over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Layer: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss until evenly coated. Pour half of this macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over it. Add the remaining macaroni mixture on top, and finish by sprinkling the last 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted and slightly golden. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- For a creamier mac and cheese, you can add a splash of cream or extra half and half.
- Make sure not to overcook the macaroni; it should be slightly firm to hold texture after baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
