If you’re searching for the mac and cheese of your dreams, look no further than this Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. Imagine tender elbow macaroni hugged by a luscious, silky cheese sauce and topped with a golden, buttery panko crust. Every bite is indulgently creamy but has just enough crunch to keep things interesting. It’s impossibly comforting, incredibly easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser—this is the classic American comfort food we all crave, but turned up a notch. Let’s dive into mac and cheese heaven!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is in its simple ingredient list—just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of great cheeses. Each component is chosen for a reason: to deliver maximum comfort, bold flavor, and that irresistible melted cheese pull.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese, perfect for holding onto all that creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps the breadcrumb topping turn beautifully golden.
- All-purpose flour: Key to creating a smooth, thick béchamel sauce as the base for all the cheesy goodness.
- Whole milk: Brings creaminess and a mild flavor so the cheeses can truly shine.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce extra decadent and unbelievably smooth.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of tang that brings out the cheese flavor (trust me—you’ll notice the subtle difference).
- Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with a gentle savory note without overpowering the cheddar.
- Onion powder: Subtly boosts the sauce’s savory depth and brings balance to the dish.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning each component and making all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Adds a little savory sharpness and a bit of bite at the end.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Just a pinch for those who love a slight, background warmth.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully and delivers that classic, bold cheddar taste.
- Gruyère cheese (shredded): Complex and nutty, this Swiss cheese takes your sauce to the next level.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Brings all-important stretch, gooeyness, and creaminess.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to a topping that stays crisp and contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
- Butter (melted): Helps the panko brown up and adds a hint of richness to the crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty finish to the topping that’ll have you fighting for the crusty corners.
How to Make Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start your journey to cheesy bliss by preheating your oven to 375°F. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing—just enough so nothing sticks, but not so much that things get greasy. This will help those golden edges release beautifully when serving up your Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta Just Right
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook it until just al dente—about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package says. Trust me: Slightly undercooked pasta is perfect here, so it soaks up the sauce and finishes cooking in the oven without going mushy. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make a Simple Roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter until foamy, then whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture, still whisking, for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells a little toasty and looks pale golden. This step removes any raw flour taste, guaranteeing your Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese has a smooth, luxurious base.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Very slowly, pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to keep the sauce velvety with no lumps. Add the Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Keep whisking and simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it thickens up to a pudding-like consistency. Turn off the heat and stir in all the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella. Watch as it melts into the most glorious, cheesy sauce you’ve ever dreamed of.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the just-cooked (still slightly firm) macaroni to your cheese sauce. Stir everything thoroughly so every nook and cranny of pasta is enveloped in that rich, creamy sauce. Pour this beautiful mixture right into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top.
Step 6: The Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine your panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture all over the top of your mac and cheese—don’t skip the corners! This makes sure every serving of Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese has that irresistible crunch.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden & Bubbling
Slide the baking dish into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling at the edges and the topping is a gorgeous golden brown. When you take it out, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to set up perfectly, resulting in those creamy, swoon-worthy squares.
How to Serve Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle on a little chopped parsley or even extra Parmesan right before serving. A dash of smoked paprika or a scattering of chives adds color, freshness, and makes your Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is a showstopper all on its own, but it also plays well with sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or tangy pickles. The freshness of a simple salad really balances the richness, while garlicky green beans or roasted broccoli add a nice textural contrast and make dinner feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Spoon Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese into individual ramekins for adorable servings, or bake it in a cast iron skillet for extra rustic flair. For a family-style meal, serve it straight from the dish with a big spoon so everyone can fight over the crispiest corner pieces (the best part if you ask me).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The sauce stays creamy and the topping keeps a little crunch, especially if you reheat portions rather than the entire dish.
Freezing
Freeze your cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. For best results, freeze before baking and add the panko topping just before reheating—this keeps the crust crisp and the creamy base from separating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk and cover loosely with foil, then warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly. Single servings can be microwaved with that same splash of milk to keep everything creamy and moist, just stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese?
While it’s convenient, freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy, so grating your own cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella really makes a difference.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Make sure you use both whole milk and heavy cream, as written. Also, avoid overbaking—just bake until the top is golden and the edges bubble, so the sauce stays silky and doesn’t dry out.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, plus certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You get all the creamy comfort, just without the gluten.
Is there a way to spice it up?
Add extra cayenne, a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce, or even some diced jalapeños right before baking if you love a spicy kick. The base recipe is so versatile, you can tweak it however you like!
What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have Gruyère?
If you’re out of Gruyère, Swiss or fontina work beautifully. You can also just use all cheddar for a more traditional flavor, but mixing in a nutty cheese adds wonderful depth to the Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about pulling a bubbling dish of Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese straight from the oven—golden, gooey, and ready to bring everyone together at your table. Give this recipe a try and let it become your new comfort food tradition!
Print
Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for creamy baked mac and cheese. With a rich and cheesy sauce, crunchy breadcrumb topping, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cheese Mixture:
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Season with mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Simmer until thickened.
- Add cheese: Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella until melted. Mix in cooked pasta.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the baking dish. Combine breadcrumbs, butter, and Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top. Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Enhance with cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Prepare ahead and bake just before serving for convenience.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
