Homemade Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Is there anything better than a warm, cheesy bowl of baked mac and cheese? This recipe gives you the creamiest, most flavorful mac and cheese with a golden, buttery topping that’s pure comfort in every bite. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal guaranteed to impress!
I’ve made mac and cheese more times than I can count—probably a million if you ask my kids! It was always their most requested meal, and I loved watching them dig in.
Now, with a new grandchild, I can’t wait to carry on the tradition and serve this creamy, comforting classic for another generation.
There’s something about mac and cheese that just feels like home. That first bite, with its creamy, cheesy goodness, instantly brings back memories of family dinners, cozy nights, and the simple joy of a warm, homemade meal. It’s the kind of comfort food that wraps you up like a hug, no matter how old you are.
Looking for more meal planning help? The Kid-Friendly Recipes resource hub at Rediscovered Families has everything in one place — from recipe collections to holiday treats and fun recipes to make together.
Ingredients for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Elbow Macaroni (16 oz) – The classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (3 cups, shredded) – Adds bold, rich, tangy cheese flavor.
- Gruyère Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – Brings a creamy, slightly nutty taste that melts beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (1 stick, divided) – Creates the base for the roux and adds richness to the topping.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup) – Helps thicken the cheese sauce to create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Whole Milk (3 cups) – Provides creaminess and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Whipping Cream (1 cup) – Adds extra decadence and a luscious texture.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon) – Gives a subtle smoky depth to enhance the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup) – This creates a crispy, golden topping for added crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated) – Adds a salty finish to the topping.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the macaroni
Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Check out this guide if you are new to cooking pasta
Make The Cheese Sauce
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Slowly whisk in the milk and whipping cream, stirring until smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère until melted and smooth.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well-coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Make The Topping
In a small pan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and stir in the panko breadcrumbs until coated. Mix the buttered breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake To Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. For a crispier topping, broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the dish to prevent burning.
Let it rest for a few minutes, then dig in!
This recipe is part of my Quick and Easy Family Recipes collection — your go-to hub for simple, comforting meals for busy school nights.
Download The Recipe
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese shredded
- 1 stick unsalted butter divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and whipping cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine and Transfer
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare Topping
- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) of butter. Once melted, mix in the panko breadcrumbs until they are well coated.
- In a small bowl, combine the buttered panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake and Serve
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Why You Will Love Our Baked Mac and Cheese
Our baked mac and cheese offers a rich, creamy experience that stands out. Sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère cheeses combine to create a delicious, comforting, and indulgent flavor. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs, it delivers a delightful crunch with every bite.
Tips for Making Baked Mac and Cheese
- Undercook the Pasta: Boil your pasta slightly less than the package instructions suggest; this prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Grating your cheese ensures a smoother melt and richer flavor than pre-shredded options.
- Warm Your Dairy: Using room-temperature milk and cream helps create a smoother cheese sauce.
- Season Well: Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning of your cheese sauce to enhance the overall flavor.
Variations to Try
- Add Proteins: Incorporate cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your mac and cheese a spicy kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavor profiles.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or chives into the cheese sauce for an aromatic twist.
These variations allow you to customize the classic baked mac and cheese to suit your taste preferences and make it uniquely yours.
Creamy baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and topped with the perfect crispy crunch. This dish is easy to make with simple ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite. Print the recipe and give it a try. Don’t forget to pin the post so you can make it again whenever the craving hits!