Here’s a rich, creamy baked Mac and Cheese with a smooth sauce and a golden top — classic comfort food 🧀
🧀 Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
🧾 Ingredients
Pasta
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1 lb elbow macaroni
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Salted water for boiling
Cheese Sauce
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4 Tbsp butter
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups whole milk, warmed
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1 cup heavy cream (or more milk)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp dry mustard (optional but recommended)
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½ tsp paprika
Cheese
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3 cups sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
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1 cup Monterey Jack or Colby Jack
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½ cup Parmesan, grated
Topping (optional)
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1 cup buttery breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz
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2 Tbsp melted butter
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
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Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
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Melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute (no browning).
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Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream.
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Simmer 3–5 minutes, stirring, until thick.
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Season with salt, pepper, mustard, and paprika.
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Remove from heat; stir in cheeses a handful at a time until smooth.
3️⃣ Assemble
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Combine pasta and cheese sauce.
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Pour into a buttered 9×13 baking dish.
4️⃣ Top & Bake
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Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
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Bake 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
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Rest 10 minutes before serving (sets the creaminess).
🟢 Pro Tips
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Shred your own cheese (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly)
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For extra creaminess, reserve ½ cup sauce and stir in after baking
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Want sharper flavor? Add ½ cup extra cheddar
🔁 Variations
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Southern-style: Add 2 eggs beaten with ½ cup milk
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Extra cheesy: Mix in mozzarella
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Bacon mac: Add cooked bacon bits
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Spicy: Add cayenne or diced jalapeños
If you’d like, I can:
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Make this no-bake & ultra-creamy
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Scale it for a small family or crowd
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Adapt it for slow cooker or stovetop