Description
This Baked and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for easy dinners, cozy gatherings, and potluck parties. This easy recipe uses a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey interior and a crispy baked top. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, delicious food for kids, or indulgent dinner recipes, this mac and cheese fits right in. It’s creamy, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a favorite in your list of easy dinner ideas and homemade food ideas.
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup gruyère or gouda cheese, shredded (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheeses until melted. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
5. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
6. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or foil tray and smooth the top.
7. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese (and paprika if using) on top.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce and better melting.
Always cook pasta just to al dente to avoid mushy results after baking.
Let it rest after baking — it helps the sauce set and enhances the texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy macaroni, comfort food, easy dinner, cheese pasta