Homestyle Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
Get ready for the best Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese! This recipe brings pure comfort with a rich, velvety sauce and a crispy topping.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 7 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta & Dairy Base
01 -
1 pound elbow macaroni
02 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter
03 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 -
5 cups whole milk
→ Cheese Blend
05 -
4 cups (about 1 pound) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
06 -
2 cups (about 1/2 pound) Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
→ Flavor Enhancers
07 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 -
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
11 -
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
12 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get a big pot of water boiling for your elbow macaroni. Don't forget to salt the water generously – it’s the only chance you have to season the pasta itself! Cook it until it's just al dente, a minute or two less than the package directions. It'll finish cooking in the oven, and we don't want mushy Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. Drain it well and set it aside. I always give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, a trick I learned after too many soft pasta incidents!
02 -
While your pasta is doing its thing, melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted and bubbly, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Whisk it constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells a little nutty, like popcorn. This is your roux, the foundation of your incredibly creamy Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese sauce. Don't let it brown too much unless you want a darker, nuttier flavor, which, to be real, isn't what we're going for here.
03 -
Now for the magic! Slowly, and I mean slowly, pour the whole milk into the roux, whisking continuously. This is where patience pays off; if you add it too fast, you might get lumps, and nobody wants lumpy Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon. The kitchen should start smelling wonderfully dairy-rich at this point, a promise of what's to come!
04 -
Remove the saucepan from the heat. This is important! Add your freshly grated sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, along with the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a tiny pinch of nutmeg. Stir, stir, stir until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is gloriously smooth and velvety. Taste it! Adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. This is the heart of your Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, so make sure it sings! I always sneak a little taste here, it’s irresistible.
05 -
Gently fold the cooked, drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until every single noodle is coated in that lusciousness. It’s a beautiful sight, honestly! Pour this cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Remember my smoke alarm story? Don't forget to grease your dish! I once used a smaller dish and it overflowed in the oven, creating a delightful mess. Learn from my mistakes, friends!
06 -
In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of your Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. When it comes out, the aroma is just incredible – a perfect symphony of cheese and warmth. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving; it helps the sauce set up just a bit.
# Notes:
01 -
Always grate your own cheese for the smoothest sauce, it makes a huge difference.
02 -
To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stove to restore creaminess.
03 -
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.
04 -
Serving with a crisp green salad helps balance the richness of this Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
whisk
03 -
9x13 baking dish
04 -
large saucepan or Dutch oven
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 25 g