Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food recipe! It’s made with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a golden brown topping. This dish is easy to make, ready in under an hour, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and cheesy: The combination of butter, flour, milk, and two types of cheddar cheese creates a luscious and flavorful sauce that coats every noodle.
• Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal prep work.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with different types of cheese or add-ins like vegetables or meat.
• Crowd-pleaser: This mac and cheese is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a classic comfort food dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can use other shapes as well.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Used to make a roux, which thickens the sauce.
• White Pepper, Salt, Cayenne Pepper: Seasonings that add flavor and a touch of heat to the sauce.
• Milk: Creates a creamy base for the sauce. You can use whole milk or a lower-fat option like 2%.
• Medium Cheddar Cheese and Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A blend of cheeses for a sharp and cheesy flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8-9 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle the flour, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper over the melted butter. Whisk until smooth and the mixture has thickened slightly. Gradually stir in the milk, about ½ cup at a time, allowing each addition to be fully incorporated before adding more. Add the medium cheddar cheese and half of the extra sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish. Top with the remaining extra sharp cheddar cheese. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as Gruyere, fontina, or even a smoked gouda.
• Spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the mac and cheese, such as cooked vegetables, bacon, or ham.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Weeknight dinner: This mac and cheese is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Side dish: It can also be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite protein.
• Potluck or gathering: It’s a great dish to bring to a potluck or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta, such as shells, rotini, or even cavatappi.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheese sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Combine and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the baked mac and cheese. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

My mac and cheese is dry, what did I do wrong?
If your mac and cheese is dry, it could be that you overcooked the pasta or didn’t use enough sauce. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente and use the correct amount of milk in the sauce.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. I hope you enjoy it!

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