Baked Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe - Easy & Cheesy

Table of Contents

This recipe shows how to make baked creamy mac and cheese. It uses pasta, cheese, butter, milk, and seasonings. Steps include cooking pasta, making cheese sauce, mixing, then baking. Tips help make it extra creamy. Suggestions for serving, add-ins, and storing are included.

Question	Answer
What ingredients are needed for baked mac and cheese?	Pasta, cheddar, mozzarella, butter, flour, milk, cream, and seasonings.
How do you make the cheese sauce?	Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk and cream, then stir in cheese.
How can I make the mac and cheese creamier?	Use full-fat dairy, shred your own cheese, and keep heat low when adding cheese.
Can I add other ingredients to the dish?	Yes, try bacon, jalapeños, mushrooms, or cooked meats.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?	Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days, reheat in oven or microwave, add milk if needed.

What You Need for Baked Creamy Mac and Cheese

8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth.
Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly.
Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Fold in cooked pasta until fully coated.
Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan (if using) and sprinkle on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips to Make It Extra Creamy

Use full-fat dairy like whole milk and heavy cream for richer texture.
Don't let the sauce boil after adding cheese, keep it low heat to prevent curdling.
Shred your own cheese instead of pre-shredded, it melts smoother.
Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce for extra silkiness.
Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end for ultra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions and Add-Ons

Pair your baked creamy mac and cheese with:

Grilled chicken or sausage for added protein
Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or dinner rolls

Popular mix-ins to add before baking:

Crispy bacon bits
Diced jalapeños for a kick
Sautéed mushrooms
Pulled pork or ground beef

Storing and Reheating Leftovers