Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Here’s a rich, indulgent, and irresistibly cheesy recipe blog for **Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese** — a comfort food favorite that hits all the right notes.
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## 🧀🔥 Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Homemade Comfort Food
If you're looking for a mac and cheese recipe that's ultra-creamy, perfectly seasoned, and topped with a golden, bubbly crust — this **Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese** is everything. No dry noodles, no bland sauce — just **velvety cheese goodness baked into pasta perfection**.
It’s the ideal side for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners — and honestly, good enough to eat as a main dish all on its own.
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## 🧾 Ingredients
### For the Pasta:
* **1 lb elbow macaroni** (or any short pasta)
*Cooked just shy of al dente — it will finish in the oven.*
### For the Cheese Sauce:
* **4 tbsp butter**
*Forms the roux base of your béchamel sauce.*
* **¼ cup all-purpose flour**
*Thickens the sauce.*
* **3 cups whole milk**
*Adds richness and creaminess.*
* **1 cup heavy cream**
*For extra luxurious texture.*
* **2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded**
* **1½ cups mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded**
* **½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated**
*The perfect cheese blend — sharp, stretchy, and salty.*
* **½ tsp garlic powder**
* **½ tsp onion powder**
* **½ tsp Dijon mustard** *(optional, but adds depth)*
* **Salt and black pepper**, to taste
### For the Topping:
* **½ cup panko breadcrumbs**
*Crispy, crunchy contrast to the creamy inside.*
* **2 tbsp butter, melted**
*Helps the topping toast beautifully.*
* **2 tbsp grated Parmesan** *(optional)*
*For extra flavor on top.*
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## 👩🍳 Instructions
### 🔹 1. Cook the Pasta
* Boil macaroni in salted water until **just al dente** (1–2 minutes less than package).
* Drain and set aside.
### 🔹 2. Make the Roux
* In a large saucepan, melt **butter** over medium heat.
* Whisk in **flour** and cook for about **1 minute** to eliminate raw taste.
### 🔹 3. Make the Cheese Sauce
* Gradually whisk in **milk** and **cream**, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (5–6 minutes).
* Stir in **garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper**.
* Remove from heat and stir in **cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan** until melted and silky.
### 🔹 4. Combine and Transfer
* Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
* Pour into a **greased 9x13-inch baking dish**.
### 🔹 5. Add the Topping
* In a small bowl, mix **panko breadcrumbs**, **melted butter**, and **Parmesan**.
* Sprinkle evenly over the top.
### 🔹 6. Bake
* Bake at **375°F (190°C)** for **20–25 minutes**, or until golden and bubbly.
* Broil the last 1–2 minutes for a crispier top (watch closely!).
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## 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
* Serve as a side with **fried chicken**, **BBQ ribs**, or **meatloaf**
* Make it a meal with a side of **greens or roasted veggies**
* Drizzle with **hot sauce** or **crumbled bacon** for extra flair
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## 💡 Tips & Variations
* **Make it spicy**: Add cayenne or diced jalapeños.
* **Meaty upgrade**: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or ground beef.
* **More cheese, please**: Use Gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda for extra richness.
* **Prep ahead**: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking.
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## ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese
* Ultra-creamy interior with a golden, crunchy topping
* Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
* Way better than boxed — rich, cozy, and homemade
* Always a hit at the table (and even better the next day!)
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Want a **gluten-free version**, a **sou
thern-style twist**, or to turn this into **mini mac & cheese cups for a party**? Just ask — I’ll tailor it to your needs!
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