Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe (Print Version)

Cheesy, creamy baked mac and cheese. This classic comfort food features a rich cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a golden, bubbly topping. A family favorite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ The Golden Noodle Foundation

01 - 1 lb elbow macaroni
02 - Salt, for pasta water

→ Velvety Béchamel Beginnings

03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
04 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 4 cups whole milk
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
09 - 1 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ The Ultimate Cheese Medley

11 - 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
12 - 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded
13 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Crispy, Flavorful Crown

14 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
16 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
17 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the 1 lb elbow macaroni. This initial prep ensures a smooth start for your Ultimate Cheesy & Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
02 - Add 1 lb elbow macaroni to the boiling salted water. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere.
03 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in 4 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth.
04 - Bring the béchamel to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
05 - Add 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, and 4 oz softened cream cheese to the béchamel. Stir until all cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This forms the heart of your Ultimate Cheesy & Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
06 - Add the cooked 1 lb elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
07 - Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. For the best Ultimate Cheesy & Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
08 - Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped, just before serving. Enjoy your homemade Ultimate Cheesy & Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese warm.

# Notes:

01 - Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan for added depth.
02 - To make ahead, assemble the mac and cheese (without the panko topping) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking, and you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
03 - For extra creaminess, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the hot béchamel. This helps it melt smoothly without lumps.
04 - This rich dish pairs wonderfully with a light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - Large saucepan or Dutch oven
03 - Whisk
04 - Grater
05 - 9x13 inch baking dish
06 - Measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 860 kcal
Total Fat: 57 g
Total Carbohydrate: 59 g
Protein: 31 g

Back