Name: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 225g elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or Monterey Jack); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Golden, bubbling, and irresistibly creamy, this baked macaroni and cheese is comfort food at its finest. With a rich blend of cheeses and a perfectly crisp topping, it brings everything we love about home-style cooking straight to your plate. This recipe is a go-to whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or craving a cozy night in.

Each spoonful delivers tender pasta wrapped in a velvety cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, deeply satisfying, and customizable to suit your cheese-loving heart. Make it once, and it might just become your signature dish.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This dish hits all the notes: ultra-creamy, boldly cheesy, and oven-baked for that unbeatable crispy top layer. It’s the kind of nostalgic recipe that brings people together. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples and comes together with ease.

Make it ahead, reheat it beautifully, and watch it disappear in minutes. It’s kid-approved, crowd-pleasing, and worthy of your dinner rotation.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for Macaroni and Cheese?

For the ultimate cheesy flavor, use a blend. Sharp cheddar provides a punchy base, mozzarella brings stretch, and Gruyère or Monterey Jack adds buttery smoothness. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents, so for best meltability, grate your cheese fresh.

Ingredients for the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

To make this dish shine, you’ll need a handful of staple ingredients. Here’s what each one brings to the party:

Elbow macaroni: The classic base for mac and cheese; holds sauce beautifully.
Butter: Adds richness and helps form the roux (the creamy base).
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for a luscious texture.
Whole milk & heavy cream: This combo creates a rich, silky cheese sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese: The hero cheese for that bold, traditional flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch and creaminess.
Gruyère cheese (or Monterey Jack): Smooth and slightly nutty, it balances the cheddar.
Salt, pepper & paprika: Basic seasonings to enhance flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs (optional): For a golden, crispy topping.

How To Make the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook your elbow macaroni just until al dente, then drain and set aside. It will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour to form a paste. Cook it for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Build the Cheese Sauce

Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened. Then reduce the heat and stir in all the cheese, reserving a handful of cheddar for topping. Mix until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Transfer

Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Pour into a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Top with reserved cheddar and optional breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

How to Serve and Store This Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese feeds about 6 to 8 people as a side dish, or 4 hungry diners as a main. Serve it hot straight from the oven, garnished with a little chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. You can also freeze it in portions for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Macaroni and Cheese?

Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs

These cheesy handhelds pair perfectly with mac for the ultimate comfort duo. Try them here

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells

Double the cheese, double the satisfaction. A great vegetarian pairing.

Buttery Garlic Pork Chops

Juicy and bold, these chops are amazing alongside creamy mac.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cozy and hearty, this soup adds a veggie-forward balance to the richness.

Crack Green Beans

Salty, sweet, and crisp-tender—a fresh green side that complements perfectly. Find the recipe

Crispy Fried Mushrooms

These crunchy bites bring texture and earthiness. Delicious as a starter or on the side.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If creamy baked macaroni and cheese has you craving more comfort, check out these tasty inspirations:

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra cheesy? Add bacon? Spice it up? I’m always curious how everyone adds their personal touch.

Explore beautifully curated comfort classics and health-boosting dishes on Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest—your next cozy favorite is just a click away!