Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Alright, my friends, gather ’round! Zak here, and I’m about to drop some serious knowledge on ya. We’re talking about the king of comfort food, the Sultan of Satisfaction: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This isn’t your grandma’s mac (unless your grandma is secretly a culinary genius). This is *my* version. And let me tell you, it’s wife-approved. Norra goes crazy for this stuff!

I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it reached peak deliciousness. I’m talking a rich, cheesy sauce that coats every single noodle, baked to a golden, bubbly perfection. Forget that boxed stuff, this is the real deal.

If you’re looking for a killer side dish, or even a main course that’ll have everyone begging for seconds, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese

Seriously, what’s not to love? But in case you need convincing, here’s why this creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is about to become your new go-to:

• Flavor Bomb: We’re not skimping on the cheese here. A blend of medium and extra sharp cheddar creates a complex, satisfying flavor profile.
• Creamy Dreamy: The sauce is so rich and creamy, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. No dry, clumpy mac here!
• Baked to Perfection: Baking it in the oven creates a golden crust that adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior.
• Easy Peasy: Don’t let the “baked” part intimidate you. This recipe is surprisingly simple to make.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This is the perfect dish for potlucks, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family.

I am telling you, this is the perfect baked macaroni and cheese recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this epic mac and cheese:

• 16 ounces macaroni
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 1/2 cups 2% milk
• 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

How to Make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s how to make this masterpiece:

1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, cook for 8 – 9 minutes. Strain and set aside. You can use whatever shape of pasta you want, but I think macaroni is the classic choice.
3. Make the Roux: In a heavy-bottomed large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
4. Add Flour and Spices: Sprinkle the flour, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper over the melted butter, whisking until smooth and the mixture has thickened slightly. This is your roux, the base of our creamy sauce.
5. Whisk in the Milk: Stir in the milk 1/2 cup at a time (feel free to eyeball it), only adding the next half cup once the previous one has been incorporated entirely. This prevents lumps!
6. Melt the Cheese: Add all of the medium cheddar cheese and half of the extra sharp cheddar cheese, stir into the milk/flour sauce until melted. Stir in the macaroni.
7. Bake: Pour into a 3 quart baking dish. Top with the remaining extra sharp cheddar cheese.
8. Bake: Bake at 375 F for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Boom! You’ve got yourself a pan of killer mac and cheese. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in – trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Mac and Cheese

Want to take your mac and cheese game to the next level? Here are a few of my pro tips:

• Use High-Quality Cheese: This is key! The better the cheese, the better the mac and cheese. Don’t skimp on this. I am telling you, the cheeses will make all the difference.
• Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes after baking will help the sauce thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We all make mistakes, but here are a few common ones to avoid when making mac and cheese:

• Using Low-Fat Milk: This will result in a less creamy sauce. Stick with 2% or whole milk for the best results.
• Adding All the Milk at Once: This can cause lumps to form in the sauce. Add it gradually, whisking constantly.
• Overbaking: Overbaking can dry out the mac and cheese. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when it’s golden brown and bubbly.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Mac and cheese needs a good amount of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

Mac and Cheese Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Some Protein: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or shredded chicken.
• Veggie Power: Add roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Top with buttered breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

You can change the cheeses to make it your own. That’s what I love about this recipe.

Storing and Reheating Your Mac and Cheese

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your mac and cheese:

• Storing: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. You can add a splash of milk to keep it from drying out.

Mac and Cheese FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses to create your own unique flavor combination.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Can I freeze mac and cheese? While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.
• What kind of macaroni should I use? Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can use any short pasta shape you like.

What to Serve with Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Grilled Meats: Burgers, steak, chicken, or ribs.
• Salads: A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with grilled vegetables.
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
• Bread: Garlic bread or crusty rolls.

What goes good with mac n cheese? Pretty much anything! But personally, I love it with some grilled ribs and a cold beer.

Final Thoughts From Zak

So there you have it, my friends! My ultimate recipe for creamy baked macaroni and cheese. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me in your photos. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Check out these other cheesy recipes! mac-and-cheese or cheesy-mac