Name: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard or garlic powder (optional); Extra cheese for topping

Golden and bubbling with a crispy top and melty interior, Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a holiday table, weeknight dinner, or simply craving something rich and nostalgic, this baked mac delivers. The secret? A velvety cheese sauce that coats every nook of the pasta and finishes under the broiler for that perfect golden crust.

Each bite offers layers of creamy, cheesy bliss balanced with a slight crunch on top. It’s a dish that brings everyone back for seconds. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make at home with everyday ingredients and a few kitchen essentials.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ultra Creamy: Thanks to the perfect blend of cheeses and a stovetop-made roux.
Golden Crisp Top: A quick bake and broil turns the top irresistibly crispy.
Customizable: Use your favorite cheeses or pasta shapes to make it your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when ready.
Kid and Crowd Favorite: A guaranteed hit at potlucks, parties, and cozy family meals.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting set up for creamy baked macaroni and cheese is easy with the right tools:

Large Pot: For boiling pasta. A non-stick or stainless steel pot works best to prevent sticking.
Medium Saucepan: Essential for making a roux and the cheese sauce. Even heat distribution ensures no clumping.
Whisk: Crucial for stirring the roux and integrating the milk smoothly.
9×13 Baking Dish: Ideal for even baking and a golden top layer.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for combining pasta and sauce without breaking the noodles.
Box Grater: If shredding your own cheese (highly recommended for best meltability).

Having everything ready before you begin will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Let’s dive into ingredients and steps next!

Ingredients for the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Elbow Macaroni: The classic shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Starts the roux and adds rich flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce for a silky texture.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess without being too heavy.
Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: Enriches the sauce and makes it luxuriously thick.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides the bold, classic flavor everyone expects.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds melty stretchiness and balances the sharpness.
Parmesan Cheese: A salty kick and crispy top when baked.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and flavor depth.
Optional Ground Mustard or Garlic Powder: Enhances the cheese flavor subtly.

How To Make the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook—the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Roux Base

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste with a slightly nutty aroma.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened. Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle extra cheddar and parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbling. For a golden top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

Let it rest a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to settle into creamy perfection.

Serving and Storing Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Serve this mac and cheese piping hot straight from the oven for the ultimate creamy texture and crisp topping. It pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, a light salad, or as a decadent side to dishes like fried chicken or meatloaf.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container or cover tightly in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep mac and cheese from drying out in the oven?

Use plenty of sauce to start with—the pasta will absorb more as it bakes. Also, covering with foil for the first part of baking can help retain moisture.

What’s the best cheese combo for creamy baked mac?

Sharp cheddar is a must for flavor, but blending it with mozzarella and a touch of parmesan creates both creaminess and depth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Add a few extra minutes to your baking time if cold.

Can I use gluten-free pasta or flour?

Absolutely. Just choose a gluten-free pasta that holds up well to baking and substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Is it okay to skip baking and serve it stovetop style?

Definitely. Once the pasta and cheese sauce are combined, it’s already delicious. Baking just adds that signature golden crust.

What can I add to elevate this dish?

Try bacon bits, caramelized onions, jalapeños, or even a swirl of hot sauce for added flavor and texture.

Want More Comfort Food Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy baked macaroni and cheese, you’re going to enjoy exploring more hearty, cheesy, and cozy pasta recipes on Kitchen by Kate:

Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for a meaty, savory twist.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you crave a spicy, smoky flavor.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for sweet heat lovers.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti to switch up your pasta routine.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a full-bodied garlic-parmesan experience.

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I’d love to hear what toppings or cheese combos you tried! Did you stick with classic cheddar or get adventurous with gouda or gruyère? Let me know in the comments.

And if you have any questions about swaps, bake time, or doubling the recipe for a crowd, feel free to ask. Let’s make creamy comfort better, together!