Creamy Baked Mac N Cheese
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, cheesy dish of homemade baked mac and cheese. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich and creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère, then topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan for the perfect crispy finish.
Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this creamy baked mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 stick unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, then slowly adding milk and whipping cream. Cook until thickened.
- Stir in seasonings (smoked paprika, salt, and pepper), then remove from heat and mix in the sharp cheddar and Gruyère until smooth.
- Combine the pasta and sauce, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the topping by mixing melted butter with panko breadcrumbs, then combining with Parmesan. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
If you love this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, be sure to pin it for later, share it with friends, and leave a comment below! I’d love to hear how you make yours extra special. 🧀
