Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety, and baked to golden perfection. This is the kind of mac and cheese that’s creamy on the inside, lightly crisp on top, and packed with real cheese flavor in every bite. No dry noodles, no bland sauce—just old-fashioned goodness made the right way.
Perfect for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want a dish that feels like home, this recipe is dependable, satisfying, and always a crowd favorite.
Yield and Timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time is 15 minutes, with 30–35 minutes of baking time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby-Jack, or a blend)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack (for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Optional topping: ½ cup shredded cheese or buttered breadcrumbs
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the macaroni in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and lightly golden.
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with extra cheese or buttered breadcrumbs if desired.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese hot as a main dish or side. It pairs perfectly with fried chicken, meatloaf, barbecue, or a simple green salad. For extra indulgence, add crumbled bacon or a drizzle of hot sauce on top.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or microwave for convenience.
Why This Recipe Never Fails
This mac and cheese stays creamy because of the balance between milk, cream, and real melted cheese—no shortcuts. Baking it brings everything together while keeping the inside rich and smooth.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is comfort food done right: familiar, filling, and always worth making again.
Enjoy !!!
