Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for Quick Comfort

The smell hits firstcheddar, bubbling and crisp at the edges, with a hint of nutmeg and that golden breadcrumb top. This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe is pure cozy bliss, and it’s everywhere right now because it’s simple, satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent.

You start with real sharp cheddar and a silky rouxit’s like your childhood favorite, but with grown-up flavor and no boxed shortcuts. The pasta is tender, the cheese sauce thick and rich, and the oven finish makes the top beautifully golden. Best part? You likely have all the ingredients already. It’s a go-to for family dinners, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need warm, cheesy comfort.

I first made this version in the fall of 2016, right after we moved into a fixer-upper with a squeaky oven but strong stovetop. My brother had three helpings and said, “This tastes like Mom’sonly cheesier.” That’s when I learned to toast the breadcrumbs in butter firstgame changer for texture. After a decade of blogging and shooting cozy recipes, this one’s still my gold standard.

Thomas Baker

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe: Ultimate Delight

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is an unbeatable classic that combines rich, heavy cream with sharp cheddar and gruyere cheeses to create an indulgent, oven-baked pasta dish. Perfect as a side or main for your next gathering, this Oven Bake Mac And Cheese delivers luscious creaminess and a beautifully golden top. Enjoy the comforting flavors of Mac And Cheese With Cream made easy and fast.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 723

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups of heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
• 2 cups shredded gruyere cheese or mozzarella cheese
• ½ + teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Panko breadcrumbs optional

Method

 

1. Heat the oven to 350°F to prepare for baking.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add elbow macaroni and cook just until slightly firm, about 6 minutes according to package directions.
3. Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a suitable baking dish.
4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, pour the heavy cream; stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar, the gruyere or mozzarella, smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon salt.
5. Warm the mixture, stirring consistently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Combine the creamy cheese sauce with the cooked pasta, mixing thoroughly.
7. Scatter the remaining 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese across the top evenly.
8. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese crust is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve immediately while hot and delight in the creamy texture.

Notes

• This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger group.
• Avoid pre-shredded cheese for better melting and cheesy pulls.
• For extra crispiness, broil the mac and cheese briefly after baking.
• Increase smoked paprika to deepen smoky flavor.
• Add precooked protein for a complete one-pan meal if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s face itthere’s nothing quite like a steaming dish of mac and cheese fresh out of the oven. This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe offers the perfect gooey center and golden, bubbly crust, delivering that classic, nostalgic comfort with every bite.

• Comfort in every bite: The heavy cream and blend of cheeses create a velvety, rich texture.
• Beginner-friendly: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, this straightforward recipe keeps things simple.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a BBQ gathering, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Key Ingredients and What Makes Them Shine

Each ingredient plays an essential role in achieving that creamy, dreamy mac and cheese. Here’s why these pantry staples are your best allies:

• Heavy whipping cream: This forms the base of the sauce, making the dish luxuriously rich without needing a complicated roux.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Bold and tangy, it’s the backbone of the flavor. For the best melt, use freshly shredded cheese.
• Gruyere or mozzarella: These add depth and the irresistible stretchiness we all love.
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder: These seasonings balance the flavors and bring subtle, smoky warmth.

Pro Tip: Avoid pre-shredded cheeseit may save a few minutes, but the potato starch coating makes it less melty and creamy.

Step-by-Step Simplicity

This recipe’s beauty is in its simplicity. Here’s a quick overview to guide you:

1. Cook your pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni until just al denteabout 6 minutesso it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
2. Make the sauce: Heat the heavy cream over medium heat, stir in 2 cups of cheddar, gruyere, and spices. Keep stirring until smooth and luscious.
3. Assemble: Toss the cooked pasta in the baking dish with the sauce. Top with the remaining cheddar for that signature golden, bubbly finish.
4. Bake: Pop it into a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, and watch the magic happen as it turns perfectly golden.

Tweaks and Add-Ons for Your Perfect Mac

This dish is wonderfully adaptable, so you can make it uniquely yours:

• Add a kick: Increase the smoked paprika or sprinkle in cayenne for a spicy twist.
• Cheesy flexibility: Swap gruyere for gouda, or mix in some parmesan for extra flavor.
• Boost the protein: Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked, crumbled bacon for a heartier meal.
• Veggie it up: Stir in roasted broccoli or peas before baking for a fresh pop of color and crunch.

Note: If you enjoy a crispy top, broiling the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking adds a delightful golden crunch.

Serving and Storage Tips

This creamy baked mac and cheese is best enjoyed hot from the oven, but here’s how to manage leftovers:

• Make ahead: Assemble everything the day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, or microwave in small portions.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Expert Says

The key to a truly creamy baked mac and cheese recipe lies in the cheese blend and the béchamel sauce base. Creating a smooth roux ensures even thickening, while combining different cheeses optimizes meltability and flavor. This technique prevents separation and achieves the perfect creamy texture every time.

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The Journey to a Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

After several attemptsone with a sauce that was too runny and another that was a bit too thickI finally landed on this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe. Each try helped me balance the rich, velvety texture with a crisp, golden topping that brings back cozy family dinners everyone loves.

FAQs ( Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe )

Conclusion

After about an hour, you’ll have a bubbling, golden masterpiece that’s creamy, rich, and wonderfully comforting. You’ll love how the cheese melts into the pasta, with that crispy top adding just the right crunchcomfort food that feels effortlessly homemade.

Try swapping gruyere for gouda for a mellow twist, or sneak in some steamed broccoli for a splash of green. A quick trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen: cover leftovers with foil before reheating to keep that velvety texture just right.

I’d love to see your variationsdid this creamy baked mac and cheese remind you of any family favorites? Snap a photo, share your story, or save this recipe for a night when you need a little extra warmth. Happy cooking, friendthis one’s a keeper!