Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Introduction

This creamy baked macaroni and cheese is comforting enough for a cozy weeknight dinner but special enough for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings.

This recipe is creamy enough for a cozy weeknight dinner but special enough for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings. The best part? You get a little crispy cheese on top while the inside stays rich and creamy.

If you love simple homemade recipes, check out our Cottage Cheese Recipes for more easy ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧀 Extra creamy and loaded with cheese
• 🍝 Simple ingredients you probably already have
• 🔥 Golden, bubbly topping with a soft center
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for family dinners and gatherings

Ingredients

For the Macaroni

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Notes

Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, cavatappi, or penne also work well. Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves that hold onto the cheese sauce.

Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives the dish a bold cheesy flavor. For the smoothest sauce, grate cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.

Monterey Jack: This cheese melts beautifully and helps make the sauce creamy.

Heavy cream: It adds richness and creates a luxurious sauce. You can replace some of it with additional whole milk for a lighter version.

Panko: Panko creates a light, crunchy topping. Regular breadcrumbs can also be used.

Looking for more easy meal ideas? Explore our Main Dishes and Lunch Recipes for more recipes to try.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1. Preheat the oven.
   Heat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente, following the package directions. Drain well.
3. Make the roux.
   Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute.
4. Add the milk and cream.
   Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
5. Thicken the sauce.
   Cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce slightly thickens.
6. Season it.
   Stir in garlic powder, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
7. Add the cheese.
   Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan a handful at a time. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
8. Combine with the pasta.
   Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated.
9. Transfer to the baking dish.
   Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
10. Add the topping.
    Sprinkle the cheddar over the top. Combine the panko, melted butter, and Parmesan, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cheese.
11. Bake.
    Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden on top.
12. Rest before serving.
    Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to settle while keeping the center creamy.

Expert Tips

For the best creamy baked macaroni and cheese, avoid overcooking the pasta before it goes into the oven.

• Don’t overcook the pasta. It continues cooking in the oven.
• Grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce.
• Keep the heat low when melting the cheese to help prevent a grainy sauce.
• Don’t bake too long. Overbaking can dry out the creamy center.
• For an extra golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
• Let the dish rest before serving so it isn’t too loose.

Looking for more easy dinner and side dish ideas? Explore our Dinner Recipes for more comforting homemade recipes.

Variations

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Stir in 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Add diced jalapeños or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese

Add fresh parsley and a little extra garlic powder to the sauce.

Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese

Swap Monterey Jack for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Fold in shredded cooked chicken and 2–3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce before baking.

Crispy Ritz Topping

Replace panko with crushed buttery crackers for a classic crunchy topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy baked macaroni and cheese as a main dish or side.

It pairs especially well with:

• 🍗 Herb roasted chicken
• 🥩 BBQ beef or steak
• 🍖 Pulled pork
• 🥦 Roasted broccoli
• 🥗 Fresh green salad
• 🌽 Sweet corn
• 🥕 Roasted vegetables

For holidays and gatherings, it makes an excellent side dish alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef.

Love Cottage Cheese ? Try our [Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl] for more creamy and protein-rich ideas.

Storage Instructions

Here’s how to make creamy baked macaroni and cheese with a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Refrigerate: Let leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Transfer cooled macaroni and cheese to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat: For individual portions, microwave gently in short intervals, stirring when possible. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.

Add a small splash of milk before reheating to help bring back some of the creamy texture.

Storage: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. For more information about safe food storage and handling of leftovers, see the USDA’s food safety guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings:

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the brands and exact ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

This creamy baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, and gatherings.

Whether you’re making it for a busy family dinner, Sunday supper, holiday table, or potluck, this cheesy bake is guaranteed to disappear quickly. Grab a spoon, serve it warm, and don’t forget that crispy corner piece!

MORE FIDA RECIPES

• Crispy Mini Zucchini Tots with Onion
• Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
• Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
• Cottage Cheese Parmesan Fry Sticks
• 18 Easy No-Bake Desserts Everyone Will Love

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