Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

I made my Homemade Creamy Macaroni And Cheese recently and was taken aback by its luscious texture and vibrant flavor. The interplay of three rich cheeses with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb finish, invites you to discover a delightful dish bursting with character in every bite.

I’ve always been excited about creating a dish that feels innovative yet grounded in familiar flavors. This Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese is one of my favorite recipes that brings together the best of both worlds of comfort and excitement.

I start with a pound of elbow macaroni that covers every bite with a layer of velvety whole milk and heavy cream mixture. When I stir in 4 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour, it transforms into a rich roux that makes the cheese sauce super thick and satisfying.

Adding in 2 cups of sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan makes it a true masterpiece. I’ve even experimented with a light layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter to give it a crunchy crust.

This recipe channels the energy of a big batch mac and cheese creation like Life With Janet Mac And Cheese and the best mac and cheese casserole I’ve ever had. Enjoy giving this recipe a try and see for yourself its awesome twist.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it just makes me feel so homey and warm every time I eat it. First off, the cheesy, creamy sauce is outta this world – it coats each piece of pasta perfectly and gives me that comforting, rich flavor I crave. Secondly, I really dig the crunchy breadcrumb topping; it adds a nice texture contrast that makes each bite extra satisfying. I also like how simple it is to prep – even though it tastes fancy, it doesn’t take forever to pull together, which is a real lifesaver on busy days. Lastly, the blend of different cheeses gives it a depth of flavor that never gets boring, and I’m always impressed by how all the ingredients come together in such a tasty way.

Ingredients

• This simple pasta offers carbohydrates for energy and comfort.
• Whole milk provides protein, fats, and calcium; it adds creaminess and a bit of sweetness.
• Heavy cream adds extra richness and thickness, giving the dish a velvety texture and decadent taste.
• Cheddar cheese offers a sharp flavor and a protein boost, making it a must for that tangy bite.
• Mozzarella cheese is mild and melty, creating a stretchy texture that balances the flavors.
• Panko breadcrumbs add an optional crunch topping that creates a fun texture contrast.
• Parmesan cheese gives a salty, nutty twist that enhances flavor and adds savory depth.
• Butter enriches the sauce with fat while lending a smooth, indulgent mouthfeel.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for coating the breadcrumbs)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot with salted water until it’s al dente then drain it well.

3. In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and stir in the flour, cooking it for about 1 minute until it looks smooth.

4. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream to avoid lumps, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens up a bit.

5. Lower the heat and add the shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan into the sauce. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder while stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is well coated.

7. Spoon the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and gently even it out.

8. If you are using breadcrumbs, toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly over the top.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and you can see a light brown crust forming on the top.

10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let the creamy texture set a little. Enjoy your dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven, set to 350°F
2. Baking dish, lightly greased
3. Large pot for boiling the pasta
4. Colander to drain the macaroni
5. Large saucepan for making the cheese sauce
6. Whisk to blend the milk and cream smoothly
7. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the sauce and mixing in the cheeses
8. Small bowl to toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter
9. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions

FAQ

Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have whole milk, you can use 2% milk and add a couple extra tablespoons of melted butter to keep it rich.
• In a pinch, heavy cream can be swapped with half and half though it might not be as super creamy.
• If you’re out of panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will do fine when mixed with a bit extra melted butter.
• Can’t find sharp cheddar? Try mixing Monterey Jack or even a combination of cheddar and Colby cheeses for a similar kick.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcook your pasta because even though it cooks more in the oven you still want it to have some bite.
2. For a super smooth cheese sauce, add your cheeses slowly and stir like constantly; this stops the sauce from turning grainy or breaking up.
3. If you decide to do the breadcrumb topping, toast them in the butter for a few minutes on the stovetop first so you get a nice crunchy texture.
4. Let the dish sit for a few minutes after its out of the oven so the sauce gets a chance to thicken up a little bit, which makes it extra creamy when youre enjoying it.