Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly add milk and cream while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
Add:
- cheddar cheese
- mozzarella
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- garlic powder
Stir until melted and creamy.
3. Combine
Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
4. Bake
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs if desired.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Flavor Variations
- Add crispy bacon
- Stir in jalapeños
- Mix smoked gouda for deeper flavor
- Add buffalo chicken
- Top with parmesan crust
Tips for Extra Creaminess
- Use freshly shredded cheese
- Don’t overbake
- Add cream cheese for richer texture
- Slightly undercook pasta before baking
Ultra Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
Add:
- cheddar
- mozzarella
- parmesan
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- garlic powder
Stir until silky and melted.
3. Assemble
Mix pasta with cheese sauce.
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs if desired.
4. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Add crispy bacon
- Stir in buffalo chicken
- Use smoked gouda
- Add jalapeños for heat
- Mix several cheeses for deeper flavor
