Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is rich, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. It’s everything mac and cheese should be—ultra creamy on the inside with a golden, crispy topping. Made with a velvety homemade cheese sauce and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is perfect as a holiday side, a potluck favorite, or a cozy weeknight dinner.
🛒 Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
🔄 Substitutions
Pasta: Use shells, cavatappi, or gluten-free pasta
Cheese: Swap cheddar and mozzarella with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or fontina
Milk: Use 2% or evaporated milk if needed
Cream: Use all milk or half-and-half for a lighter version
Breadcrumbs: Try crushed Ritz crackers or panko for topping
👨🍳 How to
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden (this is your roux)
Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth and thickened, about 4–5 minutes
Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper
Add cheeses (reserving ½ cup for topping) and stir until melted and creamy
Mix cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated
Pour into prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
🧀 Mix-ins
Add crumbled bacon or ham
Stir in cooked broccoli or spinach for veggies
Mix in sautéed onions, jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
Top with hot sauce or sriracha for heat
✅ Recipe Tips
Grate your own cheese for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded can be grainy
Don’t overbake or it may dry out—look for bubbling edges and golden top
Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor
Let it sit a few minutes before serving to firm up slightly
📦 Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container
Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to restore creaminess
Freeze unbaked mac and cheese for up to 2 months (skip breadcrumbs until baking)
🌀 Recipe Variations
Make it spicy with pepper jack and cayenne
Use smoked cheddar or gouda for a deeper flavor
Turn it into mac and cheese bites by baking in a muffin tin
Add Ground Beef or pulled chicken for a heartier main dish
❓ FAQs
Can I make creamy baked mac and cheese ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve
What’s the best cheese combo? Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are great, but Gruyère, fontina, or white cheddar also work beautifully
Can I skip the topping? Yes, but it adds a delicious crunch!
Why is my cheese sauce grainy? Pre-shredded cheese or overheating can cause this—always melt cheese gently over low heat
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort dish—perfectly creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crunch.
