Here’s a Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese recipe that’s rich, cheesy, and has that golden-baked crust everyone loves. Perfect as a main or a hearty side dish.
🧀 Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- Salt (for boiling water)
For the cheese sauce:
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder or 1 tsp Dijon (optional but recommended)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional but adds depth)
For topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
👩🍳 Instructions
1.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil water with salt.
- Cook macaroni until just al dente (1–2 mins less than package instructions).
- Drain and set aside.
2.
Make the Cheese Sauce (Roux-Based)
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add warm milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, salt, and pepper.
3.
Add Cheese
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in shredded cheese and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
4.
Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Mix the drained pasta into the cheese sauce.
- If it looks very thick, you can stir in a splash of milk.
5.
Assemble in Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour mac & cheese into the dish.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese (and breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, if using).
6.
Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning (watch closely!).
7.
Rest & Serve
- Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture.
📝 Tips & Variations
- Cheese ideas: Sharp cheddar, white cheddar, Gruyère, fontina, Monterey Jack.
- Add-ins: Cooked bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed spinach, or roasted garlic.
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese with the milk.
- Make it ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready (add 5–10 mins to bake time).