Name: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

When you’re craving comfort, nothing hits the spot like Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. It wraps you in warmth with every forkful of tender pasta and ultra-smooth cheese sauce, finished with that irresistible baked crust on top. This dish has all the soul of Southern comfort cooking, with a luscious upgrade that takes it over the top.

Perfect for chilly evenings, holiday feasts, or just because you deserve it, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a rich, creamy, oven-baked masterpiece. It also holds up beautifully for leftovers, meaning you get to relive the magic the next day—if there’s any left.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese delivers a silky, cheesy sauce that clings to every noodle. There’s a creamy sharpness from the cheddar, and just enough seasoning to make each bite more comforting than the last. Once it’s baked, you get that golden, slightly crispy top that’s a hallmark of the best baked macs. It’s kid-approved, potluck-perfect, and dinner-party worthy all in one dish.

What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese?

Cheddar is the hero here, but it’s not the only player. A mix of sharp cheddar and creamy cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack creates that craveable stretch and creaminess. For extra richness, adding a small amount of cream cheese or a spoonful of mascarpone brings the sauce to an indulgent level.

Ingredients for the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

To make this mac and cheese taste like true comfort, each ingredient brings something important to the table. Here’s what you’ll need:

Elbow macaroni
This classic pasta shape holds onto the creamy sauce in every curve and crevice.

Butter
Used to make a roux and add flavor, butter gives the sauce that silky foundation.

All-purpose flour
Combines with butter to form the roux that thickens the cheese sauce.

Whole milk
Creamy and rich, it creates the perfect base for a velvety sauce.

Heavy cream
A splash of this adds luxurious creaminess that’s unmistakable.

Sharp cheddar cheese
Bold and melty, it delivers that classic mac and cheese flavor.

Mozzarella cheese
Provides a stretchy, gooey texture that melts beautifully into the sauce.

Cream cheese
Just a little goes a long way in making the sauce extra creamy and smooth.

Salt and pepper
Basic seasonings that bring everything into balance.

Garlic powder and paprika
These boost the flavor with a hint of warmth and depth.

Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Sprinkle on top for a lightly crunchy finish.

How To Make the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture bubbles but doesn’t brown.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is well coated. Pour into a buttered baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Top with extra cheese or panko breadcrumbs if using. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Serving and Storing Your Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy baked mac and cheese feeds about 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. Serve it fresh from the oven while it’s bubbling and warm, with a spoonful of extra sauce if you saved any for drizzling.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess, or pop it in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15 minutes.

What to Serve With Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese?

Classic BBQ Chicken

The smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken makes a perfect partner to creamy mac.

Collard Greens

Add a Southern soul food touch with slow-cooked greens.

Garlic Green Beans

For something light and crisp, green beans sauteed with garlic keep things balanced.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and soft, they’re a great scoop for mac and cheese bites.

Crispy Fried Chicken

You can’t go wrong pairing this cheesy side with golden fried chicken.

Baked Beans

Rich and hearty, baked beans bring a little sweetness and depth.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A touch of char and crunch goes well against creamy textures.

Apple Slaw

Fresh and zippy, it brightens the richness of the dish.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is up your alley, you might also want to check out these delicious pasta creations:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can whip it up whenever the craving strikes.

And let me know how yours turns out in the comments. Did you sneak in bacon bits? Try a breadcrumb topping? Maybe even add some spice?

I always love hearing how others put their twist on a classic. If you have questions or want more creamy pasta ideas, drop them below!

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