Name: Baked and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 6 tablespoons butter; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional); 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (for topping)

Craving that golden, bubbling top and velvety cheese pull in every forkful? This Baked and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese delivers all the comfort of a classic with a decadent twist. It takes everything we love about mac and cheese and amps it up with a rich béchamel base, layered cheeses, and oven-baked crisp edges that contrast beautifully with the creamy center.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an indulgent weeknight dinner, this recipe walks the fine line between nostalgia and luxury. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing dinner guests, it’s a guaranteed favorite. Let’s get cozy and start baking.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cheesy goodness, having the right tools makes the process smooth and efficient:

Large pot for boiling pasta: Ensures even cooking of macaroni without crowding.
Medium saucepan for making the cheese sauce: Crucial for controlled heat when building a béchamel and melting cheese evenly.
Whisk: Helps create a lump-free, silky béchamel sauce.
9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size to bake the macaroni into a golden-topped masterpiece.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring pasta and combining it with sauce without breaking the noodles.
Oven-safe mitts and aluminum foil: To handle hot dishes and optionally cover during part of the bake to control browning.

These kitchen tools streamline each step and elevate the final result, making every bite worth it.

Ingredients for the Baked and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building the comforting depth of flavor and texture that defines this dish:

Elbow macaroni: The classic shape that holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly.
Butter: Forms the base of the roux for the creamy sauce and adds richness.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the béchamel, giving the sauce its velvety texture.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and body to the cheese sauce.
Heavy cream: Enriches the sauce, making it extra luscious.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers bold, classic mac-and-cheese flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
Cream cheese: Boosts the sauce’s richness and smoothness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors.
Ground mustard (optional): Enhances the cheese flavor with a subtle tang.
Paprika or smoked paprika: Adds color and a mild kick, especially appealing in the crispy top layer.

How To Make the Baked and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Build the Cheese Sauce

Slowly whisk in the whole milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture thicken for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella gradually, stirring until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard if using.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl or the same pasta pot, combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until each piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with additional cheddar and a dusting of paprika. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

How to Serve and Store Your Baked and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

When it’s fresh out of the oven, let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes so it can set before scooping. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, barbecue mains, or even a simple salad—it complements nearly everything. For extra flair, sprinkle chopped parsley or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

To store, let the macaroni cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm it gently in the oven or on the stovetop to revive the creaminess.

Freezing? Absolutely. Portion into freezer-safe containers and reheat as needed, though fresh always tastes best.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cheeses work best for baked mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is the base for bold flavor, but adding mozzarella, cream cheese, or even Gruyère can deepen the texture and taste.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese up to a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and bake when ready. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.

How do I keep it from drying out in the oven?

Make sure your pasta is generously coated with sauce before baking. Also, you can tent the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover for browning.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Definitely—use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Can I add mix-ins?

Absolutely. Cooked bacon, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or sautéed mushrooms are all excellent choices to stir into the mix before baking.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If cheesy, soul-warming meals are your style, you might also love the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup—a velvety blend perfect for bread dipping. Or dive into the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole, a one-dish wonder loaded with veggie-cheese goodness.

The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta is a hearty weekday favorite packed with protein and flavor. Want something ultra-indulgent? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe brings the heat and creaminess in every bite. And don’t miss the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, another pasta-forward bake with gooey satisfaction in every layer.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food board for easy reference. Just hit the Pin button.

If you whip it up, I’d love to hear how yours came out. Did you go bold with mix-ins? Did you get that perfect golden crust? Drop your comments below—I always enjoy seeing your cheesy creations.

For more of my daily recipe shares, visit my Pinterest board at LadyPlate on Pinterest.