Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

There is nothing quite like the golden, bubbly perfection of a homemade Baked Mac & Cheese. This recipe is the definition of "food lover's comfort," combining a velvety, rich cheese sauce with a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb topping. It's the ultimate side dish for a Sunday dinner or a standalone star that your family will request again and again!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 495
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

8 oz Pasta
3 tbsp Butter
3 tbsp Flour
1/2 cup Milk
1/2 cup Whipping cream
2 cups Shredded cheese (plus 1 cup reserved for the sauce)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup Breadcrumbs (panko or traditional)
2 tbsp Butter, melted
1/8 tsp Paprika
Extra Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Prep the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, and place in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. The "One Minute Early" Rule: Take your pasta off the stove 1 minute before the box says it's ready.
  2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter. Add the flour and whisk for a minute to create a smooth paste.
  3. Build the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk and whipping cream. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until the sauce is thick and creamy.
  4. Combine: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix until every noodle is perfectly coated.
  5. Layer: Pour half of the pasta mixture into a baking sheet or casserole dish. Top with the second half of the shredded cheese, then pour the remaining pasta on top.
  6. Add the Crunch: In a small bowl, melt 2 tbsp of butter and mix with breadcrumbs, parmesan, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
  7. Bake: Cover the dish and bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
    Browning the Top: If you hit the 30-minute mark and want a deeper gold on your breadcrumbs, turn on the broiler for the last 60–90 seconds. Stay right there and watch it, though—it goes from perfect to burnt in a heartbeat!

Notes

If you want to keep the meal under 700 calories total, serve this alongside a lean protein like grilled chicken and a big steamed veggie (like broccoli or green beans). The mac and cheese provides the comfort, while the veggies add the volume!