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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Featured in Evening Meals Made Beautiful.

Homemade mac and cheese with a creamy three-cheese sauce and crunchy topping. Takes 40 minutes, serves 6-8. Perfect comfort food for family dinners or potlucks.
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Recipes Fives Halima
Updated on Sat, 08 Feb 2025 11:26:01 GMT
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CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE | recipesfives.com

Nothing beats the comfort of pulling a bubbling dish of homemade mac and cheese from the oven. This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe elevates the classic comfort food with a perfect blend of premium cheeses and a golden, crispy top that gives way to the most luxurious, velvety pasta underneath.

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that using warm milk when making the sauce creates the smoothest, silkiest texture. My family particularly loves gathering around the table when they smell this mac and cheese baking - the crispy top layer always disappears first!

Perfect Cheese Selection

  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Choose aged varieties for their bold, complex flavor.
  • Whole milk mozzarella: Creates those irresistible cheese pulls.
  • Fresh Parmesan: Adds a nutty depth that elevates the entire dish.
  • Heavy cream: Essential for achieving the ultimate creamy texture.
  • Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the saltiness perfectly.

Creating Mac and Cheese Magic

Beautiful Beginnings:
Cook your pasta just until al dente - it will continue cooking in the oven.
Roux Perfection:
Whisk butter and flour until golden and fragrant, creating the base for your sauce.
Silky Sauce Creation:
Gradually incorporate warm milk and cream, whisking constantly for smoothness.
Cheese Transformation:
Add cheeses gradually off heat, stirring until completely melted and velvety.
Pasta Marriage:
Fold tender pasta into the sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated.
Topping Preparation:
Combine buttery breadcrumbs with extra cheese for the perfect crunchy finish.
Golden Perfection:
Bake until bubbly with a beautifully browned, crispy top layer.
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CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE Recipe | recipesfives.com

Growing up, my grandmother always added a pinch of nutmeg to her cheese sauce - it's subtle but adds an incredible depth of flavor that makes this recipe extra special.

Delicious Companions

Transform this mac and cheese into a complete meal by serving it alongside crisp roasted broccoli or a fresh garden salad. For special occasions, try adding buttery garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Creative Variations

Personalize your mac and cheese by stirring in caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or crispy bacon bits. For a gourmet twist, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb topping.

Perfect Preservation

Keep your leftover mac and cheese fresh by storing it in an airtight container for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.

After countless times making this recipe, I've learned that patience is key - letting the cheese sauce develop slowly and giving the dish time to rest after baking results in the most incredible mac and cheese you'll ever taste. The combination of creamy interior and crispy top creates a comfort food masterpiece that's truly worth the extra effort.

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Easy CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE | recipesfives.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best cheese for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, while mozzarella or Gruyère adds creaminess. Parmesan adds a nice salty touch. Mix different cheeses for more complex flavors.
→ Why is my mac and cheese grainy?
To avoid graininess, add cheese gradually to the warm sauce over low heat. Using pre-shredded cheese can also make the sauce grainy - better to grate your own.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's cold.
→ How do I reheat leftover mac and cheese?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry. Microwave works too, but the topping won't stay crispy.
→ What can I add to make it more filling?
Try adding cooked bacon, diced ham, chicken, or veggies like broccoli or peas. Just fold them in before baking.

Classic Baked Mac and Cheese

Rich and creamy macaroni and cheese baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping. A classic comfort food that everyone loves.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Halima

Category: Dinner Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ The Pasta

01 1 pound elbow macaroni (or whatever pasta shape makes you happy)

→ For That Amazing Cheese Sauce

02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 4 cups whole milk (or mix in some heavy cream if you're feeling extra)
05 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (totally optional but adds nice flavor)
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
10 1 cup mozzarella or Gruyère cheese, shredded
11 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

→ For the Crunchy Top

12 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
13 2 tablespoons melted butter
14 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (because more cheese is always good)

Instructions

Step 01

Fill your biggest pot with water, add a good pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook your pasta until it's just tender but still has a little bite - nobody likes mushy mac and cheese! Drain it and set aside.

Step 02

Grab a large saucepan and melt your butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it around for a minute or two until it smells kinda nutty - this is your base for an awesome sauce!

Step 03

Now comes the fun part - slowly pour in your milk while whisking like crazy to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring until it thickens up and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 04

Turn down the heat to low and stir in your seasonings. Now add all that gorgeous cheese gradually, stirring until everything's melted into a smooth, creamy sauce that you'll probably want to eat with a spoon (we won't judge).

Step 05

Take your sauce off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta until every single piece is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 06

Heat your oven to 375°F and grease up a 9x13 baking dish. Pour in your mac and cheese mixture and spread it out evenly.

Step 07

Mix together your breadcrumbs, melted butter, and that extra Parmesan. Sprinkle this all over the top - this is going to give you that irresistible crispy crust!

Step 08

Pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until it's all bubbly and golden brown on top. If you want it extra crispy, turn on the broiler for a minute at the end - just watch it like a hawk!

Notes

  1. Feel free to switch up the cheeses - just keep the proportions the same
  2. Grate your own cheese if you can - pre-shredded doesn't melt as smoothly
  3. Want to make it ahead? Assemble everything but wait to add the topping until you're ready to bake

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Large saucepan for the cheese sauce
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Cheese grater

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 18 g