The Creamiest Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Comfort and cheesy goodness converge in this incredible baked mac cheese that promises to warm your heart.

Melted cheddar blends seamlessly with creamy sauce, creating a luxurious texture.

Sharp cheese adds unexpected depth to every delightful bite.

Crispy breadcrumb topping provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with smooth pasta layers.

Weeknight dinners never looked more inviting or delectable.

Families gather around the table, eager to savor each decadent spoonful.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making this irresistible classic that will become your new favorite meal.

Cheesy Pasta Bake: Pantry Picks

• Pasta: A hearty base that provides the essential structure for this comforting dish.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce for the pasta.
• Cream: Adds richness and depth to the sauce's texture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide a delicious melty and stretchy cheese flavor that binds the dish together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp and tangy note to enhance the overall cheesy profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux and crispy topping.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and helps create a smooth consistency.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy and golden topping for textural contrast.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and color to the breadcrumb topping.
• Olive Oil: Prevents pasta from sticking and adds a light flavor.

Pasta Bake Steps in a Snap

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Noodle Dance

Boil your pasta until it’s just shy of perfect – about 1 minute under al dente.

Drain the water and toss the noodles with a splash of olive oil to keep them from clumping.

Step 3: Butter Magic

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk like crazy until the mixture turns a gorgeous golden color and smells nutty.

Step 4: Creamy Creation

Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking continuously.

Keep stirring until the sauce starts bubbling and thickens up beautifully.

Step 5: Cheese Transformation

Drop in your cheese selection and whisk until silky smooth.

Watch those cheesy ribbons melt and blend into pure deliciousness.

Step 6: Pasta Embrace

Pour the cheesy sauce over your cooked noodles and stir until every single noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Layer Party

Spread half the cheesy pasta in your prepared dish.

Sprinkle some extra cheese, then add the remaining pasta on top.

Step 8: Crunchy Topping Prep

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan
• Melted butter
• Pinch of paprika

Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 9: Topping Touchdown

Generously scatter the crispy breadcrumb mixture over the pasta, ensuring even coverage.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Look for a golden, bubbly top that’s crisp and irresistible.

Tips for Ultra-Cheesy Pasta

• Undercook pasta by 1 minute to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfectly al dente final dish.
• Gradually add cheese to warm sauce while stirring constantly to create a silky, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs before adding to create extra crunch and golden-brown color on the pasta bake.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or fontina for more complex flavor profiles.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, then refrigerate and bake later for a convenient meal prep option.

Pasta Bake: Mix Up the Cheeses

• Gluten-Free Pasta Bake: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free varieties like brown rice or chickpea pasta for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetable Protein Boost: Swap some cheese with roasted cauliflower or add sautéed spinach and mushrooms for extra nutrients and texture.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and red pepper flakes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Cheesy Pasta Bake Hot

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this cheesy pasta bake as a comforting main course for weekend family gatherings.
• Gourmet Side Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad and light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Portion into individual ramekins for easy serving during movie or game nights with friends.
• Potluck Champion: Transport in a covered dish for guaranteed compliments at community gatherings or potlucks.

Best Storage for Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer pasta bake to freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Bake 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Portion out serving. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add splash of milk to restore creamy texture.

FAQs

• What cheeses work best in this pasta bake?

Sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan create the most flavorful cheese sauce, offering a rich and complex taste profile.

• Why cook pasta just under al dente?

Pasta continues cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking prevents mushy texture and ensures perfect doneness after baking.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if going from cold.

• How do I get a crispy topping?

Use panko breadcrumbs and toast them with butter and parmesan for a golden, crunchy texture that adds great contrast to the creamy pasta.

Rich Cheesy Pasta Bake: What Sets It Apart

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This pasta bake delivers ultimate comfort food with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you crave something deliciously satisfying.
• Master Cheesy Perfection: Combines multiple cheese varieties creating a rich, creamy texture that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style dish anyone can prepare with ease.
• Customize Your Feast: Incredibly adaptable recipe allows adding vegetables, different protein options like chicken or bacon, making it flexible for various dietary preferences and family tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Guaranteed to impress guests and family members with its golden crispy topping and luxurious cheese sauce, turning an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.

Baked Mac Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy mac and cheese elevates comfort food to gourmet heights with rich cheddar and a golden breadcrumb crust. Cheese lovers will savor each forkful of this classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Dairy:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 cups (454 grams) sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese

Butter and Flour Components:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons melted butter

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1/2 cups panko crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook pasta just shy of al dente, ensuring it remains slightly firm. Drain thoroughly and gently coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
3. Create a roux by melting butter in a large saucepan, then gradually whisk in flour until the mixture turns a light golden color and releases a nutty aroma.
4. Slowly incorporate milk and cream into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and bubbly.
5. Reduce heat and gradually fold in cheeses, stirring until completely melted and the sauce becomes glossy and uniform.
6. Gently fold pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
7. Transfer half the pasta to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese, then layer the remaining pasta on top.
8. Combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika in a small bowl, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated.
9. Distribute the seasoned breadcrumb mixture evenly across the top of the pasta, creating a crunchy golden topping.
10. Bake for 30 minutes until the top turns a deep golden brown and the edges become crispy and bubbling.

Notes

• Cook pasta slightly underdone to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring perfect texture in the final dish.
• Select high-quality cheeses like sharp cheddar and Gruyère for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising creamy richness.
• Try protein additions like crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables to customize the bake.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 672
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg