Ready for the ultimate comfort food? This Easy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese will wrap you in a warm, cheesy embrace with every bite. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a side dish, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone.
I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I wanted to create something cozy and comforting for my family. As I stirred the cheese sauce, watching it transform into a silky, smooth masterpiece, I knew I was onto something special. The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of melted cheese and baked goodness. When I served it, the smiles and satisfied sighs around the table said it all – this was a new family favorite.
What makes this mac and cheese truly special is its combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with the perfect crunchy topping. The secret lies in using a blend of cheeses for depth of flavor and a touch of cream for extra richness. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.
Quick Overview: A Todd Wilbur-Inspired Summary
Easy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food. With a rich, velvety cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish offers the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures. Ideal for any occasion, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
A Family Favorite: An Exciting Story
One chilly evening, as the leaves were turning golden, I decided to make a dish that would bring warmth and comfort to my family. Enter the Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. As I whisked the cheese sauce, the kitchen filled with a heavenly aroma, drawing my family closer. The moment I pulled the bubbling, golden dish out of the oven, I knew I had created something special. Now, every time we have it, it feels like a warm hug on a plate, a dish that brings us together, reminding us of that first cozy night.
Why This Easy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese?
Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and cheesy – what’s not to love?
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or side, and ideal for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a guaranteed hit.
How to Make Easy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Tips For Easy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
- Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with butter before topping the dish.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk Alternatives: Use almond milk or soy milk instead of whole milk.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Add-Ins: Add cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-Fat: Use low-fat milk and omit the heavy cream.
- Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Light Cheese: Use reduced-fat cheese varieties.
And there you have it! Don’t forget to let us know how your Easy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave.
Can I freeze mac and cheese? Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake or reheat as needed.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe? A blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère provides great flavor and creaminess.
Can I add protein to this dish? Yes, cooked chicken, ham, or bacon are great additions.
What pasta works best for mac and cheese? Elbow macaroni is classic, but any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells works well.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Is it possible to make this recipe lighter? Yes, use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and skip the heavy cream.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Yes, but shredding your own cheese is preferable for better melting and flavor.
What can I serve with mac and cheese? Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out? Ensure the sauce is creamy and add a bit more milk or cream if needed before baking.
Can I add spices or herbs for extra flavor? Yes, try adding mustard powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
Course: All Recipes, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Weight watchers4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
Pasta:
16 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Topping:
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
