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Creamy Baked Mac

Featured in Pasta dishes that make everyone smile.

This isn't your average macaroni. It's loaded with premium cheeses and a perfectly creamy, smooth sauce—baked to a crispy, golden finish. Great for gatherings or simply treating yourself to something special.

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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 28 May 2025 13:20:00 GMT
A golden-topped baked macaroni dish with creamy layers of pasta underneath. Pin it
A golden-topped baked macaroni dish with creamy layers of pasta underneath. | tastyhush.com

Here's my top comfort food for chilly days. This baked mac and cheese is all sorts of cozy goodness. The sauce hugs every noodle and when it comes out all bubbly and golden, wow, it's hard not to dive in right away. Fix it for a family meal or take it along to a festive party, folks always rave about it.

Why You'll Love This Dish

Seriously, this creamy mac and cheese checks all the boxes. You get melty cheese, crazy good smooth sauce, and the crunchy topping is just so satisfying. Switch up the cheeses or toss on your favorite toppings to make it just how you like. I'm telling you, boxed mac won't stand a chance once you try this version.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Basic but Important: Salt and pepper bring out every flavor.
  • The Pasta: Use elbow macaroni and just halfway cook it – it finishes in the oven.
  • Optional Extras: Top with more cheese, panko, or Ritz for crunch.
  • Butter Base: Start the sauce by melting some butter.
  • The Thickener: Flour helps you get that dreamy, rich sauce.
  • Cheese Please: Sharp cheddar shredded right from the block melts beautifully.
  • Extra Special: Add Gruyere for a hint of nuttiness.
  • Liquid Gold: Warm up milk and half and half for extra creamy vibes.
Mac and cheese baked to a deep golden color, topped with gooey cheese and bits of parsley on top. Pin it
Mac and cheese baked to a deep golden color, topped with gooey cheese and bits of parsley on top. | tastyhush.com

Let's Dive Into Cooking

Baking Time
Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes then toast it under the broiler if you like the top extra crisp. Rest for five minutes so it sets up.
Building Your Dish
First, add half the pasta to a greased pan, pour on half the sauce, sprinkle cheese, then do the last layer the same way.
The Magic Sauce
Melt butter, whisk in your flour, and slowly pour in the warm milk and half and half. Whisk until you’ve got a thick creamy sauce. Pull off the heat and stir in all that cheese until silky.
Start With The Pasta
Boil the noodles just four or five minutes, drain, and get ready to finish them in the oven.

Top Tricks for Great Results

Always shred your cheese fresh – bagged stuff doesn't melt smooth. Boil the pasta slightly less than usual, it'll finish while baking. Want a next-level crunchy top? Toss panko or Ritz crumbs with butter and scatter over before baking. Bake a little longer or shorter for your favorite texture.

Switch Things Up

I like tossing some sautéed veggies or bacon bits in for a change of pace. Mix up your cheeses – try Monterey jack, mozzarella, or gouda. Super creamy mood? Just skip the oven and serve after mixing the sauce in.

How to Store and Reheat

Put any extras in a container with a lid and stash in the fridge – they'll be good for three or four days. When it's time to reheat, pour in just a little milk or cream and give it a stir while warming to keep it smooth. If you want to prep ahead, freeze it before baking, wrapped up tight.

Close-up shot of gooey baked mac and cheese crowned with a golden, crunchy topping. Pin it
Close-up shot of gooey baked mac and cheese crowned with a golden, crunchy topping. | tastyhush.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-grated cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly. Store-bought pre-grated cheese has additives that can make your sauce less smooth.

→ What can I use instead of half-and-half?

You can mix together heavy cream with whole milk to get the same effect. Just using whole milk is okay too, but it won't taste as rich.

→ Why boil pasta slightly undercooked?

Stopping the cooking early keeps your pasta from turning mushy since it finishes in the oven for just the right texture.

→ Can I swap in different cheeses?

Absolutely! Add any cheeses you like, just keep the total amount of cheese the same for the best results.

→ What's the best way to heat up leftovers?

Pop in some milk before warming it up in the microwave or oven. Heat gently until warmed through to keep the creamy texture intact.

Baked Creamy Mac

This comfort classic has a rich sauce, layers of cheese, and pasta baked to golden perfection. It's guaranteed to impress.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 pound of macaroni-style pasta.
02 1/2 cup of plain butter, not salted.
03 1/2 cup of regular flour.
04 1 1/2 cups of whole milk.
05 2 1/2 cups of half-and-half cream.
06 4 cups of medium cheddar cheese, shredded.
07 2 cups of Gruyere cheese, shredded.
08 1/2 tablespoon of table salt.
09 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
10 1/4 teaspoon of ground paprika for flavor.
11 2 cups of cheddar cheese.
12 1 cup of Colby cheese.
13 1 cup of Muenster cheese.
14 1 1/2 cups of Gruyere cheese.
15 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn oven on to 325°F to warm it up.

Step 02

Coat a 9x13 dish with grease for baking.

Step 03

Boil the pasta for a minute less than the directions say. Drain and mix with a little olive oil.

Step 04

Grate the cheese and split it into three piles: 3 cups for the sauce, 1 1/2 cups for the middle, and 1 1/2 cups for the topping.

Step 05

In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk around for a minute. Slowly add the cream and milk. Keep cooking until the mix is very thick. Take off the heat and stir in spices. Add the first batch of cheese, stirring until melted. Then mix in the second batch until it's smooth.

Step 06

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and give it a good mix.

Step 07

Start layering: put in half the pasta mix, then sprinkle the middle cheese layer, add the rest of the pasta, and finish with the top cheese portion.

Step 08

Pop it in the oven for 15 minutes or until it's bubbly on top.

Notes

  1. Prepare it ahead and refrigerate for 1-2 days. Let it sit out for 30 minutes before baking.
  2. If you like a crispier top, bake at 350-375°F for 20-30 minutes and broil it for 2-5 minutes.
  3. Use freshly grated cheese—it melts much better!

Tools You'll Need

  • Greased baking dish (9x13 size).
  • A big pot for boiling.
  • Medium-sized saucepan.
  • A hand grater for cheese.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy ingredients like butter, milk, and cheese.
  • Has wheat-based items like pasta and flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 665
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 28 g