This creamy mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Whether prepared quickly on the stovetop or baked to create a golden, crispy crust, this classic dish is irresistibly cheesy and satisfying. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, it features simple ingredients and easy steps for a decadent homemade treat that rivals any restaurant version.
Creamy Mac and Cheese (Baked & Stovetop Options)
A rich, creamy mac and cheese offering two ways to enjoy it: stovetop for quick comfort or baked for a golden, bubbly topping. A perfect blend of cheeses and creamy sauce for ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Stovetop Option:
- Bring salted water to boil, cook macaroni until al dente (about 7-8 mins), drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux; cook 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook and whisk until sauce thickens (5-7 mins), then stir in remaining milk if needed to desired consistency.
- Add mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in shredded cheeses until melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add cooked pasta, stir well to coat. Serve warm immediately.
Baked Option:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 3 qt (9×13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook macaroni as above but drain 1 minute before al dente. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cheese sauce as above (steps 2-5).
- Combine pasta with half the cheese sauce; pour half into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and then layer the remaining pasta mixture.
- Top with remaining cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
- Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For richer flavor, use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella or Gruyere. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
