Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Made with a rich and velvety cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy golden topping, this dish is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something irresistibly cheesy.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni and cook 1 minute less than the package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

4. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until light golden brown.
6. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
7. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth.
8. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
9. Gradually add cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta & Cheese Sauce

10. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
13. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
14. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
15. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

16. Let cool for 5 minutes, then dig in! Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

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Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese

✔️ Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✔️ Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue to cook in the oven.
✔️ Add a little spice – A pinch of cayenne or hot sauce can elevate the flavor.
✔️ For extra creaminess – Stir in an extra ½ cup of heavy cream before baking.

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Variations

???? Spicy Mac & Cheese – Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
???? Bacon Mac & Cheese – Stir in crispy bacon bits before baking.
???? Veggie Mac & Cheese – Mix in steamed broccoli or spinach.
???? Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese – Add shredded rotisserie chicken and a drizzle of buffalo sauce.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6-8

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Sugar: 5g
• Fiber: 2g