Why Make This Recipe
Let’s face it—mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. But when you take that goodness and bake it to creamy, cheesy perfection, you enter a whole new arena of deliciousness. Who doesn’t want a bubbling dish of Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese sitting on their dinner table?
This recipe is perfect for cozy nights in, potlucks, or when you need a dish that’s bound to make everyone smile. Plus, it’s pretty straightforward to whip up, so you won’t need to channel your inner Gordon Ramsay!
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ready to get started? Making Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple run-through of the process that’ll have you chowing down in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (because it’s all about the cheese, right?)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Cook macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until ‘al dente’—or in other words, not mushy.
- Drain and set aside: Once cooked, drain the macaroni and let it chill out in a colander.
- Make the sauce: In a separate large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour for 1-2 minutes until you see that lovely light golden color.
- Add the milk: Pour in the milk slowly while whisking—it’s important to keep those lumps away! Then add the heavy cream and whisk until everything’s smooth.
- Thicken it up: Let it cook over medium heat, stirring often until it thickens a bit, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Cheesy goodness: Remove from heat and fold in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until creamy and melty. Daydream about being a cheese wizard. 🧙♂️🧀
- Combine mac and cheese: Mix the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring it’s all coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top and add the panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until you see that beautiful golden, bubbly top.
- Rest before serving: Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then serve hot and enjoy the creamy magic!
How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
There’s no wrong way to serve this bad boy! You can dish it up as a main course, or pair it with some crispy bacon on top for a cheeky twist. Want to be a bit fancier? Serve it alongside a green salad to balance out that cheesy richness. Or, just grab a fork, dig in, and let the cheese pull happen. 🍴✨
How to Store Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Just remember to separate it into portions to make reheating easier—trust me, you’ll want to keep going back for more!
Tips to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Use good cheese: Quality matters, so opt for sharp cheddar (or a mix of your favorites). Nobody wants bland mac and cheese!
- Don’t skip the breadcrumbs: They add a lovely crunch! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy that satisfying crunch against creamy pasta?
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to spice things up with a dash of cayenne or some dried herbs for extra flavor—get creative! 😉
Variations
Feel like jazzing it up? Try adding ingredients like:
- Cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty twist.
- Spinach or broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for varied textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything up to baking, cover it, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.Can I freeze Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container.What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but it might lose some of that creamy texture.
Now, go forth and bake this cheesy dream! Your tastebuds will thank you! 😋
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until 'al dente'.
- Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In a separate large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour for 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden.
- Pour in the milk slowly while whisking to avoid lumps, then add the heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and fold in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until creamy.
Assembly
- Mix the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top and add the panko breadcrumbs.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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