Description
This baked and creamy macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish—perfectly cheesy, golden on top, and luxuriously creamy in the center. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a crowd-pleasing side, or a cozy food idea for cold nights, this easy recipe hits every mark. It’s an excellent choice for everything from family meals to holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead and reheat, making it a perfect addition to your list of go-to dinner ideas or hearty side dishes.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for topping)
1/2 cup additional cheese, for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and ground mustard.
6. Add drained macaroni and stir to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
7. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese and paprika on top.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best results, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Let the dish rest before serving to help it firm up and slice cleanly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy pasta, side dish