Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

A Rich, Cheesy, and Creamy Classic Favorite

If you’re in the mood for comfort food that’s rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible, look no further than Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. This classic dish is everything you want in a macaroni and cheese: creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked with a golden, crispy topping. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a holiday feast, or just craving a cozy meal, this baked mac and cheese will hit the spot every time.

The rich cheese sauce, made with a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and a touch of Parmesan, envelops the pasta perfectly, creating an indulgent experience in every bite. It’s the ultimate side dish, but it can easily stand alone as a main course, too. The addition of a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast to the creamy interior. Let’s get started with this mouthwatering, baked mac and cheese recipe!

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

300g elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
50g butter
50g all-purpose flour
750ml whole milk
200g cheddar cheese, shredded
100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
50g Parmesan cheese, grated
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

50g breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
30g butter, melted
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside. Do not overcook the pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt 50g butter over medium heat.
Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes to make a roux. The flour should bubble slightly but not brown.
Gradually add the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and starts to simmer, about 5 minutes.
Once thickened, lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine, making sure all the pasta is well-coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
Pour the cheese-coated pasta into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese (if using). Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
If you want a crispier topping, you can broil the mac and cheese for an additional 2–3 minutes, but be careful not to burn the breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 6 Servings)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 17g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fats: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

✨ Use high-quality cheese – The key to a smooth, creamy sauce is using high-quality cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce than pre-shredded cheese.

✨ Add extra flavor – For added richness and flavor, try adding a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the sauce. A dash of hot sauce also gives it a nice kick!

✨ Customize the topping – If you prefer a more indulgent topping, you can add crispy bacon bits, chopped herbs, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese to the breadcrumbs before baking.

✨ Make it ahead – This mac and cheese can be assembled the day before and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

✨ For a creamy interior – If you like your mac and cheese even creamier, stir in cream cheese or heavy cream into the cheese sauce for extra richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Creamy and Cheesy – The perfect balance of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
✔ Golden, Crispy Topping – The buttery breadcrumb topping adds the ideal crunch to this creamy, cheesy dish.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or a potluck party, this baked mac and cheese is sure to please.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite mix-ins, such as bacon, broccoli, or chicken, to make this dish your own.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping ahead of time, making it a go-to option for busy days and gatherings.