Get ready to experience pure comfort food bliss with the Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese! This dish is everything the name promises: indulgently creamy, packed with cheesy flavor, and crowned with a crispy, buttery topping. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving something cozy on a weeknight, this mac and cheese is destined to be your new go-to. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on the chilliest days, and once you taste just how velvety and rich this pasta bake is, you’ll understand why it’s truly the Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese plays its part, working together to create that signature crave-worthy flavor and texture. While the list is simple, each component adds a note of richness, creaminess, or the perfect crunch!
- Elbow macaroni (1 lb): These classic curves hold creamy sauce in every nook and cranny, making them ideal for baked mac and cheese.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Butter is essential for both the velvety roux and the buttery breadcrumb topping.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): This creates the base of the creamy béchamel, thickening the cheese sauce just right.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Whole milk gives the sauce its silky consistency while letting the cheeses shine.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Heavy cream takes creaminess to the next level and makes the sauce extra luxurious.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Dijon balances all the richness with a subtle tang—trust me, it’s magic!
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the cheese.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a savory background note that makes the sauce sing.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to season the pasta and bring the cheese flavors forward.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (3 cups): The bold, tangy flavor of sharp cheddar is a classic mac and cheese essential.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Mozzarella adds gorgeous melty stretch and a subtle milky taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Parmesan sharpens the cheese blend and adds a slightly salty, nutty touch.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): These Japanese-style breadcrumbs stay super crisp for the ultimate golden topping.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Mixed into the panko so every bite of topping is golden and flavorful.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh green adds a pop of color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks, and your Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese will lift out in beautiful, cheesy portions.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. It should be tender but still have a slight bite, since it will soften further in the oven. Drain and set aside so it’s ready for the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This forms a roux, which is the secret to a silky smooth sauce. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, keeping everything moving until the mixture is smooth and thickened—about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for a fabulous depth of flavor. Lower the heat and add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is melted into one creamy, dreamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni right into your luscious cheese sauce. Mix gently to coat every piece in that liquid gold. The Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese magic happens when every bite is bathed in gooey cheese!
Step 5: Assemble and Add the Crunchy Topping
Pour your mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter until every crumb glistens. Sprinkle this generous topping all over the surface of your pasta.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and crisply golden. That sizzle and aroma? That’s a sure sign your Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is almost ready to steal the show!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let your mac and cheese rest for at least 5 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This gives the sauce time to set ever so slightly, ensuring every serving is creamy on the inside with a perfect, crunchy cap. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired, and get ready for the best comfort food moment of your life!
How to Serve Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! I love to finish Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a shower of fresh parsley for color and a vibrant touch. For a kick, try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or even crispy bacon bits. You can even add dollops of tangy sour cream or a few toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese is hearty enough to shine all on its own, but if you’re making it part of a bigger meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for balance. Garlic bread, sautéed greens, or simple roasted veggies round out the meal beautifully and help cut through the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese into individual ramekins for a party-ready appetizer or serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for that cozy, communal feel. Looking to impress? Add a touch of truffle oil or serve it in a cast iron skillet for rustic elegance at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a dreamy prospect! Let it cool completely, then spoon it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or impromptu snacking.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Simply assemble the entire casserole (without baking), wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. The cheese sauce will still be beautifully creamy.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and hot, about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too—just add a splash of milk or cream to keep everything nice and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbows are classic, shells, cavatappi, or rotini also capture that luscious cheese sauce in their curves and ridges. Just be sure to cook them to al dente for the best texture.
Is it possible to make Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Gluten-free panko is available in most stores for the topping.
Can I add protein or veggies to the recipe?
Of course! Stir in cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or even peas and roasted veggies before baking. It’s easy to personalize Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese to match your cravings or what’s in your fridge.
What cheeses work best for this dish?
A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is classic, but you can swap in Gruyère, fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a fun twist. Play with your favorites—the recipe is very forgiving!
How can I prevent my mac and cheese from turning out grainy?
Graininess usually means the cheese sauce was overheated or the cheese wasn’t fully melted before baking. Be sure to reduce the heat before adding your cheese, and stir slowly until the sauce is smooth before combining with the pasta.
Final Thoughts
Warm, creamy, and impossibly satisfying, Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is everything comfort food should be. Put it on your menu soon—it might just become the most-requested dish in your kitchen, and you’ll see why it’s considered the ultimate!
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Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe. Rich, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s the perfect dish for cozy family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni: Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk and cream, season, and melt cheeses. Combine with macaroni.
- Prepare topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Bake: Sprinkle topping over mac and cheese, bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Enhance with bacon or caramelized onions.
- Experiment with cheese blends like Gruyère or fontina.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
