Description

Baked and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, blending a silky cheese sauce with tender elbow macaroni and a golden, crispy top. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or anytime you’re craving cheesy goodness with an indulgent twist.

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)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until light golden.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add cheddar and mozzarella gradually, stirring until smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and ground mustard if using.
Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with extra cheddar and a sprinkle of paprika.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is best to avoid mushy texture after baking.

Let the sauce thicken fully before combining with pasta for optimal creaminess.

Shred cheese from a block for the smoothest melt and avoid graininess.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
Calories: 620
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, oven mac and cheese