Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you love comfort food that hugs you from the inside, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. I promise, it’s everything you want in a mac and cheese: ultra creamy, perfectly cheesy, with that golden baked crust on top. Whether it’s for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or just because, this recipe hits all the right notes to satisfy your pasta cravings with homemade goodness.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in quality ingredients that play so nicely together — from the pasta to the cheese. Use fresh cheese you shred yourself for the best melty, gooey texture you’ll fall in love with.

• Elbow pasta: The classic choice for mac and cheese since it holds sauce wonderfully.
• Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the saltiness of your dish precisely.
• All-purpose flour: The base for your roux that thickens your creamy sauce.
• Whole milk: Adds body and creaminess; try to pick the richest you can find.
• Half and half: Boosts creaminess without being too heavy like cream.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Bold flavor and great melt—always shred your own for smooth melting.
• Gruyere cheese: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet note that elevates the flavor.
• Salt: Just enough to balance and deepen flavors.
• Black pepper: Gives a subtle kick to keep things interesting.
• Paprika: Adds color and a touch of sweetness—don’t skip it!

Variations

I like to play around with this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe depending on the occasion and what I have in the fridge. It’s so versatile that you can really make it your own.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or toss in some chopped jalapeños — trust me, the family loved the extra heat we added last time!
• Protein Boost: Mixing in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or diced ham transforms this side dish into a hearty main.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and your favorite vegan cheeses — it’s not traditional, but surprisingly good for dairy sensitivities.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta Like a Pro

Get your oven heating to 325°F and grease a 9×13-inch dish while your pasta water comes to a rolling boil. Salt the water generously—the pasta needs some seasoning! Boil the elbow pasta until just shy of al dente, about a minute less than the package suggests. That way, it won’t turn mushy after baking. Drain, then drizzle with a little olive oil to keep those noodles from sticking together. I’ve learned this trick the hard way when all my pasta clumped into one sad blob!

Step 2: Shred Your Best Cheeses

While the pasta cooks, get shredding your cheddar and Gruyere. Don’t be tempted by pre-shredded bags—they have anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Divide your shredded cheese into three portions: about 3 cups for the sauce, and 1½ cups each for layering in the middle and topping.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until it looks like wet sand. Keep whisking! This is your roux, and if you cook it long enough, it gets rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly add your half and half while whisking non-stop, then add the whole milk. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens nicely—it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon like a smooth, velvety blanket.

Remove from heat, then stir in your salt, black pepper, paprika, and 1½ cups of cheese. Keep stirring until you have a luscious, smooth sauce. Then fold in the second batch of 1½ cups cheese, stirring until everything’s silky and combined.

Step 4: Combine, Layer, and Bake

In a large mixing bowl, toss your drained pasta with the creamy cheese sauce. Pour half of this cheesy goodness into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups of cheese evenly over the pasta layer—it melts into pockets of ooey-gooey richness. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the last 1½ cups of cheese. Pop it in the oven and bake for around 15 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top browns into a beautiful golden crust.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this mac with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if I want a little more zip. Toasted breadcrumbs also make a fantastic crunchy garnish if you want texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This creamy mac and cheese pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, or even some garlicky sautéed greens. If you’re serving it as a main, I like adding a side of honey-glazed ham or grilled chicken to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I transfer the mac and cheese into individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets before baking—they look extra special and everyone gets their own perfect bubbling portion. Adding a light drizzle of truffle oil right before serving gives it that fancy restaurant feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better as the cheese sauce settles and develops a deeper richness overnight.

Freezing

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to avoid watery sauce.

Reheating

I like reheating leftover mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. You can revive that golden top by uncovering for the last 5 minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s the kind of dish that’s more than just pasta and cheese—it’s comfort, nostalgia, and a little bit of homemade magic baked into every forkful. Next time you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug, try this recipe and see why it’s become one of my very favorites to share with friends and family.

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