Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in this ultimate creamy baked mac and cheese recipe, a comforting classic made with a blend of melted cheeses and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping. Perfectly tender macaroni combined with a rich sauce creates a dish that’s sure to satisfy any cheese lover’s craving.

Ingredients

• 250 g / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta)
• 2/3 cup / 40 g panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp / 30 g unsalted butter (for topping)
• 1/4 tsp salt (for topping)
• 60 g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
• 1/3 cup / 50 g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 3 cups / 750 ml milk, warmed
• 2 cups / 200 g shredded cheese (Gruyere preferred; cheddar or Colby as alternatives)
• 1 cup / 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 tsp salt (for sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the topping by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the salt, shredded cheeses, and optional seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder) until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
7. Step 7: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Gruyere cheese offers a rich depth of flavor but feel free to substitute cheddar or Colby for a different taste.
• Add garlic powder, onion powder, or mustard powder to the sauce for extra seasoning and complexity.
• Mix in cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or different cheeses like Gouda or Parmesan for creative variations.
• Try swapping macaroni for other pasta shapes like penne or shells for a different texture.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven until warmed through and bubbly. You can also freeze the dish before baking—just cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or cavatappi depending on your preference.

What can I use instead of Gruyere cheese?

Cheddar or Colby cheeses are great alternatives if Gruyere is not available, each lending their unique flavor to the dish.

Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 116 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made from Gruyere, mozzarella, and optional seasonings. Topped with a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb crust, this baked classic offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for family meals or special occasions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Macaroni

• 250 g / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta)

Topping

• 2/3 cup / 40 g panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp / 30 g unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

Sauce

• 60 g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup / 50 g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 3 cups / 750 ml milk, warmed
• 2 cups / 200 g shredded cheese (Gruyere preferred; cheddar or Colby as alternatives)
• 1 cup / 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 tsp salt

Seasonings (optional)

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp mustard powder

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Topping: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and salt, stirring well. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to maintain a crunchy texture for the topping.
2. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente, meaning the pasta should be firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain the macaroni and set it aside, ready to be combined with the cheese sauce.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, continuously stirring to form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and mix in salt, shredded Gruyere cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and any optional seasonings such as garlic, onion, or mustard powder until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
4. Combine and Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all pasta evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping evenly over the macaroni mixture. Bake for 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly.

Notes

• Customize the Cheese: Gruyere adds a rich, nutty flavor; cheddar or Colby make great substitutes depending on your taste preference.
• Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder can be added to enhance the depth of flavor in the cheese sauce.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve texture and flavor.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked mac and cheese for up to 2 months; thaw before baking for best results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food, cheese sauce, macaroni casserole, cheesy pasta bake