Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese delivers rich, velvety cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden, crispy topping that takes it over the top. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday side, a weeknight dinner, or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s everything you love about classic mac and cheese—only better.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- Salted water (for boiling)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream (warm)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds depth)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère (or mozzarella for milder flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (for extra flavor kick)
For the Topping (Optional but Amazing):
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside. - Make the Roux:
Over medium heat, warm a large saucepan and melt the butter until smooth. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute, until slightly golden and nutty-smelling. - Make it Creamy:
Gradually add the warm milk and cream while whisking constantly until smooth. Keep whisking until smooth and thickened, about 5–7 minutes. - Add Flavor:
Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Melt the Cheese:
Lower heat, then stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. - Combine Pasta & Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss until every piece is coated. - Bake:
Spread the mixture evenly into a buttered 9×13-inch pan. Mix the topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.
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Alternative Tips & Variations:
🔥 Spicy Kick:
- Add 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
- Mix in 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or sriracha).
🥓 Bacon Lovers:
- Stir in 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce before baking.
- Sprinkle extra on top with the breadcrumbs for a smoky crunch.
🧀 Cheese Swap Ideas:
- Use smoked gouda for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Try fontina, Monterey Jack, or a hint of blue cheese for something different.
- Want it extra gooey? Add cream cheese (about 4 oz) to the sauce.
🌱 Veggie Add-Ins:
- Stir in cooked broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for a hearty twist.
- Roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes also pair beautifully with the cheese sauce.
🥖 Topping Twists:
- Swap panko with crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs.
- Mix in herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika for extra flavor in the topping.
🥄 Stovetop-Only Option:
- Skip the oven! After mixing pasta with the sauce, serve it directly from the pot for an ultra-creamy version.
Conclusion:
This Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is more than just a side dish—it’s a warm hug in a baking dish. With its silky, flavorful cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and that irresistible golden topping, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nostalgia. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast, a casual potluck, or just a cozy weeknight dinner at home.
What makes this recipe unique is how you can easily adjust it to your preferences.. Add a little heat, mix in some crispy bacon, or fold in your favorite veggies—the possibilities are endless. And if you’re short on time, the stovetop version still delivers rich, cheesy comfort in every bite.
Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s called the ultimate. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—because nothing beats the creamy, melty magic of homemade mac and cheese done just right.
