Description
This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and baked until bubbling and golden. With a velvety homemade cheese sauce and crispy parmesan topping, it’s perfect as a hearty main or an indulgent side.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated (for topping)
Instructions
1. Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream. Cook until thickened, 5-7 minutes.
4. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
6. Stir in the pasta and coat with the cheese sauce.
7. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
8. Top with parmesan cheese and extra cheddar if desired.
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Always shred your cheese fresh for best melt and texture.
Don’t overbake—remove as soon as the top is golden.
Add-ins like bacon or caramelized onions bring extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked macaroni, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese