Creamy Dreamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe For Comfort Lovers

Comfort comes alive in this creamy baked mac and cheese that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Warm cheese bubbles promise pure indulgence for hungry souls.

Crispy breadcrumb edges hint at golden-brown perfection waiting beneath.

Pasta shells cradle rich, melted cheddar in a delightful embrace.

Seasonal herbs and sharp cheeses create unexpected depth for discerning palates.

Quality ingredients transform simple comfort into an extraordinary culinary experience.

One bite promises to transport you straight to delicious bliss.

FAQs

• Is mac and cheese healthy?

While delicious, traditional mac and cheese is high in calories and fat. Using whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and adding vegetables can make it more nutritious.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients like cheese and flour are also gluten-free.

• What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but a blend of cheeses like cheddar, monterey jack, and gruyere creates a rich, complex taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

• How can I prevent a dry mac and cheese?

Use enough liquid in your cheese sauce, add a bit of milk or cream, and avoid overcooking the pasta. Covering the dish with foil during baking helps retain moisture and prevents the top from drying out.

Baked Mac and Cheese Brings Gooey Goodness to the Table

• Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Kid-Approved Crowd Pleaser: Children and adults alike will love the creamy, golden mac and cheese that tastes like a homemade classic comfort food.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easy to customize with additional mix-ins like crispy bacon, diced vegetables, or different cheese blends to keep the recipe exciting and fresh.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for mac and cheese, holds sauce well and provides comforting texture.
• Cavatappi: Curly pasta alternative with ridges that capture extra cheese sauce.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold, tangy flavor and creamy melting quality, opt for freshly grated for best results.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild, smooth cheese that adds creamy consistency and helps create silky sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and nutty undertone, use freshly grated for maximum flavor.

• Whole Milk: Creates rich, smooth base for cheese sauce, whole milk ensures creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and provides luxurious mouthfeel to the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps create roux and adds smooth, rich flavor to the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens sauce and creates smooth base for cheese mixture.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the cheese sauce.
• Mustard Powder: Provides slight tang and complexity to cheese sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle background flavor to enhance cheese mixture.

Baked Mac and Cheese Cheesy Method

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.

Carefully drop elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta shape into the bubbling water.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook the pasta until it reaches al dente texture – tender but still slightly firm.

This typically takes about 8-10 minutes.

Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, giving it a quick shake to remove excess water.

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until it’s smooth and bubbling.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking constantly to create a golden roux.

Gradually pour in milk, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming.

Let the mixture simmer and thicken, stirring consistently.

• Sharp cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Gruyère

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Pour the silky cheese sauce over the drained pasta.

Gently fold the sauce and pasta together, ensuring every noodle gets coated.

• Ground black pepper
• Mustard powder
• Garlic powder

Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.

For an extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top.

This will create a delightful golden crust when baked.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the top to turn a beautiful golden brown and the edges to become slightly crispy.

The sauce should be bubbling around the edges, signaling it’s ready to be devoured.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness while it’s still warm.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Tips You Can Use

• Slightly undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect texture in the final dish.
• Add plenty of salt to pasta water for enhanced flavor that penetrates every noodle during cooking.
• Quickly drain pasta and give a light rinse to stop cooking process, preventing overcooking and maintaining ideal consistency.
• Keep a small cup of starchy pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed, creating a smoother, more cohesive mac and cheese.
• When transferring pasta to baking dish, spread it uniformly to guarantee consistent cheese coverage and balanced flavor in every bite.

Best Storage for Baked Mac and Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume refrigerated mac and cheese within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• If possible, skip microwave reheating as it can make the cheese sauce grainy and separate.

Comforting Sips With Baked Mac and Cheese

• Enhance Creamy Comfort: Pair this rich mac and cheese with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness of the dish.
• Wine Harmony: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to complement the cheesy goodness.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits on top to introduce a savory protein element that elevates the classic comfort food.
• Bright Side Kick: Serve with quick-pickled vegetables like cornichons or tangy pickled onions to provide a zesty contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.

Baked Mac And Cheese: Fun Ways To Switch It Up

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Creamy Option: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, cashew cream, and plant-based milk to create a rich, dairy-free version that's equally satisfying.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled plant-based protein to boost the nutritional value and make the dish more filling.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta to create a lighter, vegetable-based mac and cheese for those following a low-carbohydrate diet.

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy baked mac and cheese, where classic cheesy goodness meets crispy golden breadcrumb perfection. Cheesy layers and rich flavors promise a soul-warming experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 1/2 cups (226 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (90 grams) Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (for crispy topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook elbow macaroni until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Drain pasta in a colander, then immediately rinse with cold water to halt cooking process and prevent further softening.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F, preparing a buttered baking dish for the mac and cheese assembly.
4. Create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then gradually whisk in flour until smooth and golden.
5. Slowly stream in milk, continuously whisking to eliminate lumps and create a creamy, thickening base sauce.
6. Incorporate shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
7. Season the cheese sauce with mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne for subtle heat.
8. Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
9. Transfer mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional shredded cheese across the top for a crispy, golden crust.
11. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow sauce to set before serving.

Notes

• Choose elbow macaroni or shells for the best cheese-holding texture.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking.
• Salt the pasta water generously for extra flavor throughout the dish.
• Drain pasta quickly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg