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- 8 ounces elbow macaroni - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 3 cups whole milk - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, finely grated - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The ingredients for this ultra creamy baked mac and cheese come together to create a dish that is rich and satisfying. You start with elbow macaroni, the classic choice. Then, you need unsalted butter and flour to make a roux. This roux thickens your cheese sauce. Whole milk adds creaminess, while sharp cheddar and mozzarella bring flavor and meltiness. Cream cheese adds even more creaminess, making every bite luscious. For seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder give depth to the cheese sauce. Paprika adds a hint of color and flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Lastly, the Panko breadcrumbs, mixed with olive oil, create a crispy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy pasta below. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness to the dish. These ingredients work together to ensure your mac and cheese is not just tasty but truly delightful. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. So gather these ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that warms the heart and pleases the palate. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Cook the Pasta: Boil 8 ounces of elbow macaroni in salted water. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for now. - Prepare the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once it bubbles, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir for about 2 minutes until it turns light golden. - Create the Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in 3 cups of whole milk while whisking. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, which takes about 5-7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon well. - Melt the Cheeses: Lower the heat and add in 2 cups of finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of finely grated mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir until the cheese melts, creating a smooth sauce. - Combine Pasta and Sauce: Carefully add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Use a spatula to fold the pasta in, making sure it is all coated. - Prepare for Baking: Transfer the creamy mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly for best baking results. - Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until the breadcrumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. - Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden-brown and crispy. Enjoying this dish is a joy, and each step brings you closer to that creamy goodness! - Importance of Milk Temperature: Always use warm milk. Cold milk can shock the sauce, causing lumps. Warm milk blends smoothly with the roux. This helps create that creamy texture you want. - Strategies for Preventing Clumps: Whisk constantly when adding milk. This keeps the sauce smooth. If lumps form, whisk harder or use a blender to fix it. - How to Get a Crispy Panko Top: Mix Panko with olive oil. This helps it brown nicely in the oven. Spread it evenly over the mac and cheese before baking. The oil gives it crunch. - Alternatives to Panko Breadcrumbs: You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Try cornflakes for a different crunch. Each option adds its own flavor and texture. - Choosing Quality Cheeses: Use sharp cheddar for rich flavor. Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess. Cream cheese makes the sauce ultra smooth. Always opt for finely grated cheese to help it melt better. - Recommended Pasta Types for Best Results: Elbow macaroni is classic. Other shapes like shells or cavatappi work well too. Choose pasta that holds sauce well for maximum flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook during baking and could turn mushy if overcooked initially. Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic, you can mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a unique flavor profile. Let it Rest: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier without falling apart. {{image_4}} Different Cheese Combinations You can change the cheese mix for fun flavors. Try using gouda or pepper jack cheese. Each cheese adds a new taste. Blend them for a unique experience. Mix sharp cheddar with mozzarella for a creamy base. You can also use a touch of blue cheese for a stronger flavor. Adding Proteins: Chicken, Bacon, or Ham Want to make it heartier? Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or diced ham. These proteins bring extra flavor and make the dish filling. Cooked chicken adds a nice texture, while bacon gives a smoky taste. Ham can give a sweet touch that balances the cheese. Gluten-Free Options: Pasta and Flour Substitutes If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many types available that work well. For the roux, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour. This keeps the dish creamy and smooth without gluten. Make sure to read labels when shopping. Vegan Versions: Dairy-Free Cheese and Milk To make a vegan version, swap dairy cheese for dairy-free cheese. Use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of whole milk. You can also use cashew cream for a rich texture. This way, you can enjoy mac and cheese without dairy. Adding Vegetables: Spinach, Broccoli, or Tomatoes Boost nutrition by adding veggies. Spinach and broccoli work well mixed in. You can also stir in fresh tomatoes for a juicy burst. This adds color and makes your dish healthier. Plus, it tastes great! Spicy Mac and Cheese: Incorporating Jalapeños or Hot Sauce For some heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. This gives a fun kick! You can mix them in the cheese sauce or sprinkle on top. Adjust the spice level to your liking. A little heat can make the dish exciting and bold. To keep your baked mac and cheese fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Let the dish cool down first. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. - Containers: Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. They help keep moisture in and flavors fresh. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few options: - Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat it for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until hot. - Retaining Creaminess: Add a splash of milk before reheating. This helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy. You can freeze baked mac and cheese for later use: - How to Freeze: Allow the dish to cool completely. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. - Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, move a portion to the fridge. Let it thaw overnight. Reheat using the oven or microwave, as mentioned above. This mac and cheese is ultra creamy due to the special blend of cheeses. I use sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Each cheese adds its unique texture and flavor. The cheese sauce starts with a roux made from butter and flour. Then, I slowly whisk in whole milk. This method helps create a smooth sauce. The key is to melt the cheeses over low heat. Mixing this cheese blend makes the dish rich and velvety. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the macaroni and make the cheese sauce as usual. Then, combine them and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake it as directed. This way, you can enjoy a fresh and creamy mac and cheese without the hassle on busy days. Baked mac and cheese pairs well with various side dishes. You can serve it with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, also work great. If you want protein, consider grilled chicken or BBQ ribs. These sides balance the richness of the mac and cheese. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combinations! Yes, you can cut calories without losing flavor. Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk for the sauce. Opt for reduced-fat cheese varieties. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used if you prefer. Another option is to add more vegetables, like spinach or cauliflower, to bulk up the dish. These swaps help keep the dish creamy and delicious while lowering the calorie count. In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious baked mac and cheese. We detailed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best texture and topping. Plus, we explored variations and storage tips to help you enjoy it longer. Remember, whether you keep it classic or try new flavors, this dish is versatile and comforting. Make it your own and share it with friends or family. Enjoy every creamy bite!

Ultra Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

A rich and creamy baked macaroni and cheese dish that is sure to please everyone.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 quarter cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, finely grated
  • 1 half cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 half teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot enough for baking when you’re ready to pop in your mac and cheese.
  • Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente, not too soft. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once the butter is completely melted and starts to bubble, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook this roux for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously until it turns a light golden color.
  • Create the Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to avoid any lumps forming. Keep cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and add in the sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese. Stir the mixture until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is perfectly smooth.
  • Season the Sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure these flavors are evenly distributed throughout.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Carefully add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated beautifully.
  • Prepare for Baking: Transfer the creamy mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with oil, which will help achieve a golden, crispy topping. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown top that’s crispy to the touch.
  • Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let your mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes. This will make serving easier. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve your mac and cheese in bowls and sprinkle additional cheese or a few parsley leaves on top. Consider pairing it with a side salad for a delightful contrast!
Keyword baked pasta, comfort food, mac and cheese