Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe — Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s nothing quite like creamy baked mac and cheese to satisfy your comfort food cravings. With tender pasta, rich cheese sauce, and a golden baked top, this dish is a classic favorite for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in. Best of all, it’s simple to make and packed with cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
3 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all‑purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk works best)
1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping, optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just tender (about 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1–2 minutes to make a roux (this will thicken the sauce).
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until every piece of pasta is coated in creamy goodness.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. If you’re using breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve Warm
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a fresh salad or garlic bread!
