Irresistibly Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort

Mac and cheese lovers will adore this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe that promises comfort in every bite.

Warm, gooey cheese melts perfectly into tender pasta shells, creating a dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

Crispy breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to the smooth, velvety surface.

Rich cheddar and sharp parmesan blend seamlessly, infusing depth and complexity into this classic comfort food.

Minimal ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners.

Cheese enthusiasts and pasta fans will fall head over heels for this irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

You cannot resist diving into this mouthwatering masterpiece that elevates the humble mac and cheese to a gourmet experience.

Why Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Feels So Cozy

• Simplify Your Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this mac and cheese recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic cheesy goodness meets crispy breadcrumb topping, creating a universally loved dish that brings smiles to everyone around the table.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve as a hearty main course, delightful side dish, or potluck favorite that adapts easily to different dining scenarios and gatherings.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal prep work and simple mixing technique mean you can have a delicious, creamy mac and cheese ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.

Ingredients For Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that captures and holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.

• Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Essential ingredients that create a rich, smooth base for the mac and cheese.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich foundation for the cheese sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Deliver a luxurious, melty texture and robust cheesy flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the mac and cheese.
• Breadcrumbs: Create a golden, crispy crust that adds textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a subtle herbal note.

How To Cook Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese At Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Grease that dish like you’re preparing for a cheesy masterpiece, making sure nothing will stick.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Boil a big pot of salted water and toss in the elbow macaroni. Let it dance around until it’s perfectly tender, usually taking about 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Base

• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Whisk these ingredients until they become a smooth, dreamy mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 4: Create a Buttery Foundation

Melt unsalted butter in a skillet, creating a rich and golden base that will add depth to your mac and cheese.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Cream

Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the dairy mixture. Make sure each pasta piece gets a luxurious coating of the creamy blend.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir continuously, watching as the cheeses melt and create a velvety, mouth-watering sauce that hugs every pasta noodle.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the cheesy macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring every bite will be equally delicious.

Step 8: Add a Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top, creating a golden, crispy layer that will add texture to your creamy dish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown top with slightly crispy edges.

Step 10: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the cheese sauce set and stabilize, making it even more delectable.

Step 11: Final Touch

Scatter some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor. Serve and enjoy your ultimate comfort food!

Top Tips For Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Success

• Grease Like a Pro: Use cooking spray or butter to coat the baking dish completely, preventing any sticky situations with your mac and cheese.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni just until al dente to maintain a slightly firm texture that won't turn mushy during baking.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Shred cheese directly from a block for smoother melting and better overall sauce consistency compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before sprinkling on top to enhance their golden-brown crunch and nutty flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Tasty Twists On Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace wheat-based elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Swap traditional breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond meal.
• Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled turkey sausage into the mac and cheese. Add a layer of Greek yogurt to boost protein content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Veggie-Loaded Comfort: Mix in roasted cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers to increase nutritional value. Substitute some cheese with pureed butternut squash for added nutrients and a subtle sweetness.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

What Goes Well With Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese

• Pair Savory Southern Comfort: Crisp, hoppy pale ale cuts through the mac and cheese's richness while complementing its creamy texture.
• Refresh with Citrus Twist: Light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc provides a zesty counterpoint, balancing the dish's heavy cheese profile.
• Enhance with Bold Protein Companion: Smoked pulled pork or barbecue chicken creates a perfect protein partnership, elevating the mac and cheese's hearty character.
• Elevate with Green Balance: Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a sharp, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate between rich bites.

Easy Storage For Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through and cheese melts evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread mac and cheese in baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying.

Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Questions Answered

• What type of pasta works best for this mac and cheese recipe?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional and recommended pasta, as its shape perfectly captures and holds the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, monterey jack, or gouda, but cheddar and mozzarella provide the best melting properties and classic mac and cheese taste.

• How do breadcrumbs enhance the dish?

Breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds wonderful textural contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, giving each bite a delightful crunch.

Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mac and cheese lovers will rejoice over this classic “creamy baked mac and cheese” that blends rich cheddar and smooth gruyère into pure comfort. Crispy breadcrumb topping and golden edges promise a delicious dinner that brings warm memories to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 450 g (16 oz) elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Dairy Components:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Melt the unsalted butter in a skillet, creating a rich base for the cheese sauce.
5. Fold the cooked macaroni into the dairy mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated with the creamy blend.
6. Gradually incorporate the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the pasta, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, velvety texture.
7. Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top of the mac and cheese, creating a golden, crispy crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become slightly crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese sauce to set and stabilize.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added flavor before serving.

Notes

• Select pasta with ridges or curves to hold more cheese sauce, maximizing flavor in every bite.
• Shred cheese directly from block for smoother melting and superior texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure even blending and consistent sauce development.
• Experiment with cheese combinations like gruyere, fontina, or sharp white cheddar for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 563
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 132 mg