A golden, bubbling dish of comfort food with tender pasta and ultra-rich cheese sauce baked to perfection.
🍽️ Introduction: The Classic That Never Fails
Macaroni and cheese—just the phrase alone makes most of us feel a little happier. Creamy, cheesy, warm, and carb-loaded—it’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together. But while stovetop mac and cheese is quick and tasty, there’s something next-level about baked mac and cheese. It’s creamy on the inside, crusty on the top, and packed with layers of flavor.
This Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese recipe combines the nostalgia of old-school casseroles with a luxuriously creamy homemade cheese sauce that doesn’t dry out in the oven. Whether you’re making this for a holiday table, Sunday dinner, potluck, or just because it’s Tuesday, this dish hits the spot every single time.
📝 Ingredients
🧈 For the Cheese Sauce (Béchamel Base):
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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4 cups whole milk (warm)
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1 cup heavy cream
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Salt, to taste (start with 1 tsp)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional but recommended)
🧀 Cheeses (Total: About 4–5 cups shredded cheese):
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
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1 cup mozzarella (for creaminess and pull)
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1 cup gruyère or gouda (for nutty depth)
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1/2 cup parmesan (for saltiness and crust)
Tip: Use blocks and shred them yourself—pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting.
🍝 Pasta:
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1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
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Salted water for boiling
🧂 Optional Crunchy Topping:
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp melted butter
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2 tbsp grated parmesan
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1 tsp parsley flakes (optional)
⏱️ Prep and Cook Time
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Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
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Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
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Total Time: 45–55 minutes
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Servings: 8–10 servings
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
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Add pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package suggests for al dente. (You want a slight bite since it will finish cooking in the oven.)
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Drain the pasta and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Make the Roux
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it just begins to bubble.
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Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (roux). Keep whisking continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and smells nutty.
3️⃣ Add Milk and Cream
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Gradually pour in the warm milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
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Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring, until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. It should coat the back of a spoon.
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Add in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard.
4️⃣ Stir in the Cheese
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Remove the saucepan from heat.
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Stir in all the cheeses except for 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella (reserve these for the top).
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Stir until completely melted and smooth. The sauce should be velvety, creamy, and rich.
5️⃣ Combine with Pasta
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In a large mixing bowl (or in your baking dish), combine the drained pasta and the cheese sauce.
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Stir gently to fully coat each piece of pasta.
6️⃣ Assemble the Dish
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish.
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Top with the reserved shredded cheese for that gooey layer.
7️⃣ Add Crunchy Topping (Optional but Recommended)
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Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and parmesan.
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Sprinkle the mixture evenly on top for a golden, crunchy finish.
8️⃣ Bake It!
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Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until:
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The top is golden and bubbling.
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The edges are slightly crispy.
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The center is heated through and creamy.
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Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets up a bit.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
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Serve alongside roasted vegetables, barbecue ribs, fried chicken, or a leafy green salad.
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It pairs well with anything smoky, tangy, or crunchy for balance.
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Leftovers? Reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
💡 Tips for Perfect Mac & Cheese
🧀 Don’t Skimp on the Cheese Blend
Different cheeses bring different textures and flavors. Combining melters like mozzarella or Monterey Jack with bold cheeses like cheddar gives you the best of both worlds.
⏲ Undercook the Pasta Slightly
Since the pasta continues cooking in the oven, slightly undercooking it helps prevent mushy noodles.
🥣 Make It Creamier
Add a bit more cream or milk to the sauce if it feels too thick—especially if you’re reheating the next day.
🔄 Mix It Up
Want extra protein? Stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, or caramelized onions before baking.
🧠 Variations to Try
🔥 Spicy Jalapeño Mac
Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a kick.
🍖 Smoky BBQ Mac
Stir in shredded BBQ pork or brisket. Drizzle barbecue sauce on top before baking.
🥦 Veggie Lover’s Mac
Add roasted broccoli, peas, spinach, or mushrooms for a more nutritious twist.
🧄 Garlic-Herb Mac
Infuse your butter with garlic and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before making the roux.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
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Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
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Let it cool, then wrap tightly in foil or airtight container. Freeze up to 2 months.
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To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Cover with foil and reheat in oven at 350°F until warm.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it fully (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as usual when ready.
Why is my sauce grainy?
This can happen if you use pre-shredded cheese or overheat the sauce. Always remove the pan from heat before adding cheese.
Can I use gluten-free pasta or flour?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
🎉 Final Thoughts: A Dish That Steals the Show
This Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is the kind of dish people ask for the recipe after tasting. It combines a smooth, luscious cheese sauce with perfectly baked pasta and an irresistible crispy topping. Whether it’s served at a holiday meal, family gathering, or weeknight dinner, it brings warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of deliciousness to the table.
