Description
This Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and a creamy roux base. Baked until golden and bubbly with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Cream: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to flavor the sauce evenly.
- Melt Cheeses: Add shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, stirring continuously until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated, then transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top if using. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Baking the mac and cheese allows the flavors to meld and creates a delicious crust on top.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture contrast.
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
