If there’s one dish that brings instant comfort, it’s this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. Made with tender elbow pasta, rich homemade cheese sauce, and layers of cheddar and Gruyère, this oven-baked classic is ultra-creamy, nostalgic, and perfect for family dinners or holidays. This is the best baked mac and cheese recipe for true comfort food lovers. Discover the full recipe.
Ingredients
Below is a complete list of ingredients needed to make this classic mac and cheese casserole.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Elbow pasta | 1 lb |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Whole milk | 1½ cups |
| Half and half | 2½ cups |
| Medium sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 4 cups |
| Gruyère cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Salt | ½ Tbsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Paprika | ¼ tsp |
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Best Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe)
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese made with a rich homemade cheese sauce, cheddar, and Gruyère, baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow pasta
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
2½ cups half and half
4 cups medium sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
½ Tbsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta one minute less than al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in half and half, then milk, until thickened.
5. Remove from heat, add spices and 3 cups cheese until smooth.
6. Mix cheese sauce with pasta.
7. Layer pasta and remaining cheese in baking dish.
8. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Notes
Always shred cheese fresh.
Do not overbake to keep creamy texture.
Add breadcrumbs if desired for crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook it one minute less than the package instructions for al dente. Drain well and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Shred and Divide the Cheese
Shred the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses and mix them together. Divide into three portions:
- 3 cups for the sauce
- 1½ cups for the middle layer
- 1½ cups for the topping
Tip:
Always shred cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Step 4: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it resembles wet sand.
Step 5: Build the Cheese Sauce
Slowly whisk in the half and half until smooth, then add the whole milk. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and 1½ cups of the cheese. Stir until smooth, then add another 1½ cups of cheese and mix until fully melted.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring until every noodle is coated.
Step 7: Assemble the Casserole
Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups of cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the final 1½ cups of cheese.
Step 8: Bake
Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Tip:
Do not overbake. This keeps the mac and cheese creamy rather than dry.
Conclusion
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food classic. With its rich homemade cheese sauce, tender pasta, and golden baked top, this dish delivers everything you expect from the Best Oven Baked Mac and Cheese. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, potluck, or simple family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. Warm, creamy, and deeply nostalgic, it’s mac and cheese done right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I keep baked mac and cheese creamy?
Use whole milk, half and half, and avoid overbaking.
2. Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What cheese melts best for baked mac and cheese?
Cheddar and Gruyère provide the perfect balance of flavor and melt.
4. Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Yes, freeze before baking for best results.