Description
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Rich, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top, this easy recipe is a go-to favorite for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday feasts. Ideal for quick dinner ideas, comforting side dishes, or cozy weeknight meals, this easy baked mac and cheese offers all the satisfaction of a homemade classic with irresistible flavor. It’s one of the best easy dinner ideas you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cream. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
5. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, stirring until melted.
6. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
7. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
9. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispness.
10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Slightly undercook your pasta so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
Always use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
Warm milk and cream before adding to the roux for a silky texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg