Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese

Few dishes bring as much joy as a bubbling, golden-topped pan of creamy baked cheddar mac-and-cheese. This recipe blends perfectly cooked pasta with a luscious, velvety cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping that’s simply irresistible. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, it’s a comfort classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average mac-and-cheese — it’s richer, cheesier, and baked to perfection. The creamy cheddar sauce clings to each pasta shell, while the breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. It’s easy to make, can be customized to your taste, and works as both a side dish or a main course.

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Ingredients (Serves 6)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling dish of creamy baked cheddar mac and cheese fresh out of the oven. With its golden, crispy topping giving way to tender pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, this dish is the definition of cozy, feel-good food.. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and satisfying texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

• Pasta – 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
  
• Butter – 4 tbsp (unsalted)
  
• All-purpose flour – 4 tbsp
  
• Whole milk – 3 cups (warm)
  
• Heavy cream – 1 cup (warm)
  
• Sharp cheddar cheese – 3 cups, freshly shredded
  
• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, freshly shredded
  
• Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
  
• Garlic powder – 1/2 tsp
  
• Salt – 1 tsp (or to taste)
  
• Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
  
• Breadcrumb topping:
  
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
    
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
    
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Condensed grocery checklist for Creamy Baked Cheddar Mac-and-Cheese 🛒:

• Elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
  
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
  
• Butter
  
• All-purpose flour
  
• Whole milk
  
• Heavy cream
  
• Salt & black pepper
  
• Paprika (optional)
  
• Breadcrumbs (for topping)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Mac-and-cheese is undeniably indulgent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it mindfully. This breakdown gives you a clear idea of the calorie, protein, fat, and carb content in each serving, so you can fit this creamy comfort dish into your day without overdoing it.

• Calories: ~420 kcal
  
• Protein: 16g
  
• Carbohydrates: 32g
  
• Fat: 24g
  
• Saturated Fat: 13g
  
• Fiber: 1g
  
• Sugar: 4g
  
• Sodium: ~550mg

Time Breakdown

Knowing exactly how long each step will take makes cooking more enjoyable and stress-free. With just a little prep and baking time, you can have a bubbling tray of cheesy goodness on the table in under an hour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
  
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Perfect mac-and-cheese comes from balancing creamy sauce, tender pasta, and a crisp topping. Follow these simple, foolproof steps to get a velvety, golden-baked dish every time.

1. Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Make the Roux – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes.
   
3. Add Milk & Cream – Slowly pour in warm milk and cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
   
4. Add the Cheese – Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully melted.
   
5. Combine – Mix the pasta into the cheese sauce until coated.
   
6. Top & Bake – Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with buttered breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
   
7. Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Ingredient Swaps & Custom Variations

One of the best things about mac-and-cheese is its flexibility — it welcomes creative twists. Whether you want to add heat, sneak in veggies, or explore different cheeses, there’s a variation to match your mood and pantry.

• Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère for a nutty flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
  
• Pasta Shape: Shells, cavatappi, or rotini hold sauce beautifully.
  
• Add-ins: Mix in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted broccoli.
  
• Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta and flour for the roux.

Serving Suggestions

Mac-and-cheese can be the star of the table or a supporting player in a bigger meal. Pairing it with lighter or fresher sides helps balance the richness while still delivering maximum comfort.

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
  
• Roasted vegetables
  
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
  
• Grilled chicken or baked fish for added protein

Storing Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, proper storage is key to keeping them just as creamy and flavorful. Follow these tips to ensure your mac-and-cheese tastes just as good the next day — or even weeks later if frozen.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  
• Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months.
  
• Reheating: Add a splash of milk and cover with foil when reheating in the oven to keep it creamy.

Kids-Friendly Twist

This baked mac-and-cheese is already a kid favorite, but a few tweaks can make it even more appealing for little taste buds. The goal is to keep it fun, colorful, and easy to eat.

• Use small pasta shapes like mini shells.
  
• Skip Dijon mustard for a gentler taste.
  
• Stir in small bits of hotdog or peas for a playful twist.

Chef’s Special Tips

Professional chefs know that the little details make the biggest difference. These quick tricks will help you elevate your mac and cheese from simple comfort food to restaurant-quality delight.

• Always shred cheese fresh for the smoothest melting.
  
• Slightly undercook pasta before baking to prevent mushiness.
  
• For deeper flavor, mix cheddar with a little smoked gouda or Gruyère.
  
• Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for an ultra-crispy top.

Conclusion

This creamy baked cheddar mac-and-cheese isn’t just a recipe — it’s a warm, cheesy embrace in every bite. From the gooey center to the golden, crunchy crust, it’s pure comfort on a plate. Now it’s your turn to bring this crowd-pleaser to life in your own kitchen. Preheat that oven, grab your favorite pasta, and make tonight deliciously cheesy.

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