Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Cheesy & Creamy

Make the creamiest baked mac and cheese by cooking pasta until just al dente, whisking a silky cheese sauce, combining the two, topping with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and baking until golden. Use sharp cheddar and a little Gruyère for depth, and don't overbake. Serve hot and creamy, or prep ahead and bake when ready to serve. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

What You Need for Baked Mac and Cheese

Here's what you need to make the best baked mac and cheese. The ingredients are simple, but each one plays a key role in getting that creamy, cheesy texture and flavor.

Essential Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni or penne pasta – 1 pound (or about 4 cups dry)
• Sharp cheddar cheese – 2 cups shredded (plus extra for topping)
• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
• Butter – 3 tablespoons
• Whole milk – 2 cups
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Seasonings – salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of nutmeg

Optional Add-ins

• Grated Parmesan for topping
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped chives or parsley

These ingredients will make enough for 4-6 servings. You can adjust the amount of cheese and cream to your taste. The key is using good quality cheese and not overcooking the pasta before it goes into the oven.

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Step by Step

Follow these steps to make the creamiest, cheesiest baked mac and cheese. The key is making the sauce first, then combining it with the pasta before baking.

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven, so don't overdo it now. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in milk and cream. Add the shredded cheese gradually until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 3: Combine and bake

Mix the pasta with the cheese sauce, pour into a buttered baking dish, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This makes 4-6 servings. You can prep the sauce and pasta ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.

Tips for the Creamiest Baked Mac and Cheese

Follow these tips to get the creamiest, cheesiest baked mac and cheese every time. The key is in the sauce and not overbaking.

Key Tips for Creamy Texture

• Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyere for depth of flavor.
• Make the sauce first, then add the pasta, so it doesn't absorb too much liquid and get dry.
• Don't overbake – just until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Undercook the pasta slightly before baking since it will finish in the oven.
• Let it rest 5-10 minutes to set up before serving.

Pro Tips for Extra Creaminess

• Add a spoon of dijon or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra zing.
• Top with panko and more cheese for the crunchiest topping.
• Make ahead: prep the sauce and pasta separately, then just combine and bake when ready to serve.

These tips will ensure your baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and never grainy or dry.

Baking Time and Temperature Guide

The key is getting the top golden and the inside creamy without drying it out. Here's how to nail the timing and temperature every time.

Perfect Timing and Temperature

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
• Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
• If using a glass dish, add 5-10 minutes to the time.
• Check at 15 minutes to prevent overbaking.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
• When ready to serve, bake as directed adding 5-10 extra minutes if chilled.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.

These guidelines ensure your baked mac and cheese comes out perfect every time.

Serving and Storing Your Baked Mac and Cheese

Here's how to serve and store your baked mac and cheese so it stays creamy and delicious. The key is keeping it from drying out or getting soggy.

Serving Tips

• Let it rest 5-10 minutes to set up before serving.
• Serve hot with extra cheese on top for extra creaminess.
• Great as a side or main dish with salad or protein.

Storing Leftovers

• Cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
• Store in airtight container up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

These tips will keep your baked mac and cheese tasting fresh and creamy every time you serve or store it.