Name: The Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese – Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Mac and Cheese: 12 oz elbow macaroni; 4 tbsp butter; 4 tbsp flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; Topping: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp melted butter

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If you’re looking for the creamiest, cheesiest, most comforting mac and cheese, you’ve found it. This Baked Mac and Cheese is everything you want in a homemade dish—rich, gooey cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden, crispy topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. Whether it’s for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday feast, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra creamy & cheesy – The homemade cheese sauce coats every bite.
Crispy baked topping – Buttery breadcrumbs take it to the next level.
Great for gatherings – A comforting side dish that everyone loves.

Ingredients

(A sneak peek—full ingredient list below!)

12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Mix in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly on top. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue cooking in the oven, so keep it slightly firm.
For extra creaminess – Stir in a little cream cheese or extra heavy cream.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Switch up the cheeses – Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack all work well.
Add protein – Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Baked mac and cheese pairs perfectly with roasted meats like BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, or meatloaf. It also goes great with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.
What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but mixing in mozzarella, Gouda, or Gruyère makes it even better.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream, and don’t skimp on the cheese!
Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Yes, freeze before baking or after—it reheats best when thawed overnight in the fridge.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like homemade baked mac and cheese. It’s rich, comforting, and always a hit at the table. Whether you serve it as a side or a main dish, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Try it out and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

The Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese – Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

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This Baked Mac and Cheese is ultra-creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Made with a rich homemade cheese sauce and tender pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, potlucks, and holidays.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until golden and bubbly. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Mix in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
Avoid overcooking the pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven.
For extra creaminess, stir in a little cream cheese or an extra splash of heavy cream.