Go Back

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulge in this rich and creamy baked mac and cheese, a beloved comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish combines the creaminess of cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to a golden finish. It serves as a wonderful side dish or a satisfying main course.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 1 baking sheet
  • 1 oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a roux.
  • Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
  • Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. If you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the cheese types according to your preference; gouda or gruyere can add extra flavor.
For a variety of textures, consider adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli or spinach into the mac and cheese before baking.
Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.