Here’s a rich and comforting Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe—golden, cheesy, and perfect for any meal 🧀🍝
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven
- 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta
- Boil macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and 1½ cups cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce
- Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce. Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Add topping
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar and Parmesan over the top.
- Mix breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
- Bake
- Bake 20–25 minutes until top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Add ¼ cup cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce.
- Cheese blend: Use a mix of cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina.
- Add-ins: Fold in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate; bake 25–30 minutes at 350°F before serving.
I can also give a stovetop version that’s quicker and just as creamy, if you want.
