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The Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe You Need to Try - Featured Image

The Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe You Need to Try

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Learn how to make delicious Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 300g elbow macaroni or your favourite pasta shape
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, grated (for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky note)
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (I like to blitz day-old crusty bread)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (to toss with breadcrumbs)

Substitution tip: If you don’t have Gruyère, swap for a mild mozzarella or even a bit of creamy Havarti. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based milk and a vegan cheese blend, though the flavour will be different.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a medium baking dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside. I find that slightly undercooked pasta finishes cooking beautifully in the oven while soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux. This step is crucial—don’t let it brown, or your sauce will lose that delicate, creamy texture.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 6-8 minutes. You’ll see it coat the back of a spoon—this is when you know it’s perfect.
  5. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Then, remove from heat and fold in the grated cheddar and Gruyère (or your chosen cheeses) until melted and silky. The cheese sauce should be smooth and luscious—if it feels too thick, a splash more milk will loosen it up.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat every piece. This is where the magic happens—the creamy sauce seeps into every nook and cranny of the macaroni.
  7. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  8. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle generously over the top of the mac and cheese. This topping adds the perfect crispy contrast to the creamy base beneath.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust crackles under your spoon, and the cheese bubbles invitingly.
  10. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This little pause helps everything set beautifully and makes it easier to slice into portions. Serve with a generous side of greens or a crisp salad for balance.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Find it online: https://deliciouslovers.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese/