Go Back
To make the best creamy baked mac & cheese, you need a few key ingredients: - 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 2 cups whole milk These ingredients create a rich and cheesy flavor. The elbow macaroni holds the cheese sauce well. The blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella adds depth. Cream cheese brings extra creaminess, while whole milk gives a smooth base. If you want to make your mac & cheese even better, consider these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for crunch - Fresh herbs like parsley for garnish - Additional cheese types, like gouda or parmesan Breadcrumbs add a delightful crispy top. Fresh herbs bring color and a fresh taste. Different cheeses can change the flavor profile, making it unique. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combination! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni to the water. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is key for great texture. Now, let’s create a rich cheese sauce. First, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk it together for about 1-2 minutes. You want a smooth roux. Next, slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Then, lower the heat to medium-low and add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and blends in. For flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget to add salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Next, we’ll melt the cheese into our sauce. Gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts, making a creamy sauce. Now, it's time to bring everything together. Gently fold in the cooked elbow macaroni. Mix until the pasta is fully coated in the cheese sauce. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. For a crispy topping, sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs across the top. This will create a nice crunch. Now, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen! For the best creamy mac and cheese, heat matters. Warm cheese melts better. Cold cheese does not blend well. When you mix cheese into your sauce, make sure it's warm. This helps it melt smoothly. Using a variety of cheeses adds depth. I love mixing sharp cheddar and mozzarella. The cheddar gives a rich flavor. The mozzarella adds stretch and creaminess. You can also try gouda or fontina for a twist. To know if your mac and cheese is done, look for bubbling edges. The top should be golden brown. If it is too pale, give it a few extra minutes. Every oven heats differently, so check it often. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the bake time. You may need less or more time based on your oven. If you find it browning too fast, cover it with foil until cooked through. For a pretty plate, serve the mac and cheese in ramekins. This makes each serving look special. You can also sprinkle extra parsley on top for color. Pair it with a crisp side salad. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the dish. Consider adding some sliced tomatoes or cucumbers for a nice crunch. Pro Tips Use a Mix of Cheeses: Combining different cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella enhances the flavor and texture, creating a creamier and more complex cheese sauce. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni until just al dente, as it will continue to cook during baking. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, or different herbs for added flavor and texture. Let It Rest: Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish to fit your needs. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that work well. For a vegan version, switch to plant-based cheese. Brands like Daiya or Violife melt nicely and keep the creaminess. Want to add more flavor? Try adding cooked bacon or sausage. They bring a savory kick that pairs well with the cheese. You can also include vegetables like broccoli or spinach. This adds a nice touch of color and nutrition to your meal. Toppings can change the whole dish. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, try panko for extra crunch. You can also use crushed chips or nuts. They give a fun texture that makes each bite exciting. To store leftovers properly, let the mac and cheese cool first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This way, it stays tasty for up to three days in the fridge. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. When reheating, keep the creaminess intact. You can use the microwave or oven. For the microwave, place a portion on a plate and add a splash of milk. Heat on medium power for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to mix the heat. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the dish creamy. To freeze baked mac and cheese, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This method helps keep the flavor and texture. To thaw, move it to the fridge the night before. Bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The best cheese for mac and cheese is a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. You can also try gouda or parmesan for a unique taste. Mixing several cheeses creates a rich and tasty sauce. Experiment with cheese combinations to find your favorite mix. Yes, you can make mac and cheese ahead of time. Prepare the dish as usual but stop before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time. This method lets you enjoy homemade mac and cheese without all the last-minute work. If your mac and cheese turns dry, don't worry! You can revive it easily. Start by adding a splash of milk to the dish. Mix it well to combine. If it still feels dry, you can add more cheese or a little butter. Heat it gently on the stove or in the oven until warm. Stir it often to keep it creamy. Yes, you can make mac and cheese without cream cheese. Use more whole milk to keep the sauce creamy. You can also add extra cheese like gouda or a bit of sour cream for creaminess. Blending these ingredients will help you achieve that rich texture even without cream cheese. Baked mac and cheese is a delicious comfort food that many enjoy. We covered the best ingredients, from elbow macaroni to sharp cheddar, for a creamy dish. I shared steps to make the cheese sauce and combine everything perfectly. Plus, I offered tips for the creamiest texture and fun variations to try. Remember, you can customize this dish and store it for later. Enjoy making your own version of this classic meal!

Cheesy Bliss Baked Mac & Cheese

A creamy and cheesy baked macaroni dish topped with crispy breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux.
  • Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to ensure a lump-free mixture. Keep cooking this mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Incorporate Cream Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Season the Sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and fresh ground pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
  • Melt the Cheeses: Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, continuing to stir until all cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Combine with Pasta: Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure all the pasta is well-coated.
  • Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese to create a crispy crust.
  • Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling.
  • Cool and Garnish: After baking, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with finely chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Notes

For a delightful presentation, serve portions in individual ramekins and sprinkle additional parsley on top for color. Consider pairing with a crisp side salad for a balanced meal!
Keyword baked, cheesy, macaroni and cheese