Description

Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese—a golden, bubbling classic that’s the definition of comfort food bliss. With a velvety cheese sauce made from scratch and a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping, this dish is the perfect go-to for anyone craving a rich, satisfying bite. Whether you need a quick dinner, an easy recipe for entertaining, or cozy food ideas for a weekend indulgence, this mac and cheese delivers every time. Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or just a warm family meal, it’s creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to make hearts (and appetites) happy.

Ingredients

Pasta:

1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warmed)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Gruyère or fontina (optional)

Breadcrumb Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
1/2 cup reserved cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil pasta until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream until thickened (5–7 min).
Stir in seasonings, then gradually melt in cheeses (reserve ½ cup cheddar).
Combine pasta with cheese sauce in a large bowl, mix well.
Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine panko, melted butter, and Parmesan (if using). Sprinkle over pasta.
Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20–25 min until golden and bubbling. Optional: Broil for 2–3 min for extra crunch.
Let sit 5–10 min before serving.