Few dishes evoke as much warmth and nostalgia as a bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. The perfect mac ’n’ cheese is silky, indulgently cheesy, with pasta cooked just right, all topped with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust that adds a satisfying crunch. Whether served as a weeknight family dinner, a comforting side for holidays, or a potluck crowd-pleaser, this Ultimate Creamy Mac ’n’ Cheese recipe takes the classic comfort food to new heights.
This recipe is all about balancing rich cheeses, a smooth, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It’s easy to prepare but delivers impressive results — baked to golden perfection with a luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
Why This Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe Stands Out
Macaroni and cheese is beloved by all ages, but sometimes it can be too watery, too bland, or too greasy. The secret to great mac ’n’ cheese lies in the cheese sauce, also called béchamel sauce or Mornay sauce when cheese is added. This sauce is made by cooking butter and flour into a roux, then slowly whisking in warm milk and cream to create a thick base.
The cheeses chosen here — sharp cheddar for bold flavor and Gruyère for its creamy melt and nutty undertones — combine beautifully to make a rich and flavorful sauce. A hint of paprika adds subtle warmth and color, while the crispy panko breadcrumb topping brushed with butter provides a lovely contrast in texture.
Ingredients
This recipe yields about 6 generous servings.
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8 ounces elbow macaroni (approximately 2 cups dry)
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk, warmed
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1 cup heavy cream, warmed
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Preparation Time & Nutritional Information
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving (varies slightly based on cheese and topping)
How to Prepare Ultimate Creamy Mac ’n’ Cheese (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Rinsing is not recommended, as the starch helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In the same pot (this minimizes dishes and retains pasta flavor), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, whisking constantly to avoid browning or burning. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce later.
Step 3: Add Dairy and Thicken the Sauce
Gradually pour in the warmed whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly. Heating the dairy before adding helps prevent lumps and promotes a smooth sauce.
Continue to cook and whisk for approximately 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is your classic béchamel base.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Season
Lower the heat to low, then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is velvety and smooth.
Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika. These seasonings enhance the flavor without overpowering the cheese.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Return the drained macaroni to the pot and gently fold it into the cheese sauce. Make sure every piece is coated with that luscious sauce.
If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash more milk to loosen it slightly.
Step 6: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. This topping will bake into a golden, crunchy crust.
Step 7: Bake and Broil for a Golden Finish (Optional)
Transfer the mac ’n’ cheese mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb topping over the surface.
Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on this step to prevent burning.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, bright touch.
Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food experience.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Mac ’n’ Cheese Every Time
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Use Warm Milk & Cream: Adding cold dairy can cause the sauce to seize or become lumpy. Warm your milk and cream slightly before whisking in.
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Don’t Overcook Pasta: Since pasta will continue cooking in the oven, take it off the heat a bit earlier than usual to avoid mushy results.
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Quality Cheese Matters: Freshly shred your cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
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Experiment with Cheese: Mix in smoked gouda, fontina, or Parmesan for extra depth and creaminess.
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Add a Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard in the cheese sauce adds subtle complexity.
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Make it Ahead: Assemble the mac ’n’ cheese and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
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For Extra Creaminess: Stir in 2 ounces of cream cheese with the shredded cheeses.
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Keep the Topping Crunchy: Toast the panko crumbs in a skillet with butter before sprinkling to enhance flavor and crunch.
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Add-ins: For a twist, stir in cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
Variations on the Classic
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Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese: Add a drizzle of truffle oil or mix in truffle salt to elevate the dish.
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Lobster Mac ’n’ Cheese: Fold in chunks of cooked lobster meat for a decadent seafood version.
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Spicy Mac ’n’ Cheese: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
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Vegan Mac ’n’ Cheese: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour in the roux with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover mac ’n’ cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes to maintain the creamy texture and crispy topping. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta rubbery and the topping soggy.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Ultimate Creamy Mac ’n’ Cheese contains approximately 520 calories, depending on portion size and exact ingredients used. The dish is rich in protein and calcium from the cheese and provides a comforting source of carbs from the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Creamy Mac ’n’ Cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that balances tradition with a touch of gourmet flair. Its luscious, cheesy sauce and crunchy topping make it the perfect side or main dish for almost any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or treating yourself, this mac ’n’ cheese will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
So go ahead — gather your ingredients, warm up that milk, and dive into one of the creamiest, dreamiest mac ’n’ cheese dishes you’ll ever taste.