Here’s a rich, creamy baked mac and cheese recipe that’s comforting, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top. I’ll give it step by step so it’s easy to follow.
🧀 Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
Pasta
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) elbow macaroni
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, shredded (for extra creaminess)
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Optional: pinch of paprika for color
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add macaroni and cook 1–2 minutes less than package instructions (al dente, since it will bake).
- Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth.
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyère/mozzarella until melted and creamy.
3️⃣ Assemble the Mac and Cheese
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta and cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4️⃣ Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese. Add a pinch of paprika if desired.
5️⃣ Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Tips for Extra Creaminess
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and a melting cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Warm the milk before adding it to the roux — prevents lumps.
- Don’t overcook the pasta in boiling water; it should finish cooking in the oven.
This recipe produces rich, creamy, and cheesy baked mac and cheese with a crunchy topping — perfect for cozy dinners.
I can also give you a shortcut version with a stovetop creamier version if you want it extra gooey and fast. Do you want me to do that?
