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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is everything you crave in a cozy, cheesy classic. With a rich, velvety cheese sauce, perfectly tender pasta, and a golden, crunchy topping, this dish is pure satisfaction in every spoonful. Whether you’re searching for a quick dinner idea, an easy recipe for the holidays, or a kid-friendly meal that doubles as a nostalgic treat, this baked mac and cheese delivers. It’s the perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity—cheesy, creamy, and baked to golden perfection.

This dish fits any occasion, from weeknight dinners to party side dishes, and it checks all the boxes for flavor and comfort. If you love easy dinner recipes or need new food ideas that everyone will devour, this one’s a must-try!

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk, warm

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (or mozzarella)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream. Cook until thickened, about 5–6 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, garlic powder, mustard powder (optional), salt, and pepper. Stir until melted.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Mix until fully coated.
  7. Transfer to a greased baking dish or ramekins. Top with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
  8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with thyme or parsley. Serve warm.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

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Find it online: https://chefalchemy.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese/