Homemade Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe For Comfort Lovers

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible baked mac and cheese that promises pure culinary bliss.

Bubbling with rich, golden goodness, this classic dish brings warmth to any dinner table.

Layers of melted cheese create a decadent sauce that coats each pasta noodle perfectly.

Sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella combine to deliver an unbelievably smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates this mac and cheese from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will never be the same once you savor this mouthwatering recipe.

Why Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Feels Like Home

• Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: This mac and cheese recipe offers incredible taste and simplicity.
• Craft Effortless Gourmet Delight: Minimal prep steps and common ingredients make this dish surprisingly sophisticated for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Guaranteed to satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its rich, creamy texture and robust cheese blend.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, and casual gatherings, providing a hearty and satisfying main course or side dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: A bold, tangy cheese that adds a rich flavor.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts smoothly.
• Velveeta Cheese: A processed cheese that creates an extra creamy texture.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape perfect for mac and cheese.

• Evaporated Milk, Sour Cream, Butter: Creamy components that make the dish rich and smooth.

• Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.

Steps to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pasta

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Boil water in a large saucepan and cook pasta until tender.

Drain the pasta and set aside in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Create Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, warm the evaporated milk over medium heat.

Add cubed Velveeta and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Step 3: Mix Flavor Boosters

• Sour cream
• Butter
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Layer Cheese Goodness

Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar into the pasta.

Pour the melted Velveeta sauce over the pasta and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Scatter the remaining shredded cheeses on top of the mac and cheese.

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the mac and cheese from the oven.

Let it sit for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving up this creamy comfort dish.

Smart Tips for Baked Mac and Cheese

• Mix different cheeses like gouda or gruyere for unique, rich flavor profiles that elevate the classic mac and cheese.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking to add delightful crunch and texture to the creamy dish.
• Adjust milk or cheese quantity to achieve your preferred sauce thickness, ensuring a perfectly creamy or slightly firmer mac and cheese.
• Incorporate roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower into the mac and cheese to increase vegetable intake and add extra nutrients.
• Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal planning easier and more convenient.

Store and Reheat Baked Mac and Cheese the Right Way

• Transfer leftover mac and cheese to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in a baking dish, add a splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a little milk to prevent drying out and maintain creamy texture.

What Pairs Well with Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese, balancing the heavy cheese flavors with refreshing citrus notes.
• Complement with Hoppy Beer: Choose an India Pale Ale (IPA) with strong hop character to provide a zesty contrast against the smooth, velvety cheese sauce, creating a delightful flavor interaction.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to offer a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the decadent mac and cheese, adding brightness and cutting through the dish's richness.
• Match with Sparkling Prosecco: Uncork a chilled, bubbly Prosecco to cleanse the palate between bites, its effervescence and subtle sweetness complementing the savory, cheesy pasta perfectly.

Flavorful Mac and Cheese Variations

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Use cornstarch instead of wheat-based thickeners to maintain creamy texture.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast, cashew cheese, or plant-based cheese alternatives. Use unsweetened almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Mac: Substitute pasta with riced or chopped cauliflower. Keep the cheese sauce and seasonings the same, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or cooked ground turkey to increase protein content. Mix protein directly into the mac and cheese before baking for a hearty meal.

FAQs

• What type of cheese gives this mac and cheese its creamy texture?

The Velveeta cheese melts smoothly and creates a rich, creamy base that helps bind the sauce together perfectly.

• Can I use different types of cheese if I don't have these exact ones?

Yes, you can substitute with similar melting cheeses like Gruyère, Colby, or additional cheddar varieties, but try to keep a mix of cheeses for the best flavor profile.

• Why do I need to heat the evaporated milk with Velveeta before adding?

Heating helps the Velveeta melt evenly and creates a smooth, consistent sauce without lumps, ensuring a silky texture throughout the mac and cheese.

• Is the sour cream necessary for this recipe?

Sour cream adds tanginess and helps create a richer, creamier texture, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt if needed for a similar result.

Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this irresistible Mac and Cheese, blending rich, velvety cheeses into a golden-crusted casserole. Guaranteed to satisfy your deepest cravings, each forkful promises pure, cheesy indulgence that brings warmth and happiness to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) Cellentani Noodles or Macaroni Noodles
• 8 ounces (227 grams) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces (227 grams) Velveeta Cheese, cubed
• 12 ounces (340 milliliters) Evaporated Milk

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 stick (113 grams) Salted Butter, softened and cubed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Sour Cream

Spices:

• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a large saucepan for boiling pasta until al dente.
2. Shred the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then carefully cube the Velveeta into uniform pieces.
3. Heat evaporated milk in a small saucepan over medium temperature, gradually melting the Velveeta cubes while stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce.
4. Drain the cooked pasta and transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Remove the melted cheese sauce from heat and incorporate sour cream, butter, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika into the warm noodles.
6. Fold half of the shredded cheese varieties into the seasoned pasta mixture.
7. Gently pour the Velveeta milk sauce over the noodles, stirring to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses across the top of the mac and cheese for a golden, crispy finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden and the edges become bubbly.
10. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Customize cheese types by swapping sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack with your favorite varieties like Gruyère, fontina, or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Prevent dry mac and cheese by using full-fat dairy products and avoiding overcooking, which helps maintain a creamy, smooth texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta, ensuring the same delicious comfort food experience.
• Enhance nutritional value by incorporating roasted vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach into the mac and cheese for added nutrients and color.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg