Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- The Secret to the Creamiest Cheese Sauce
- Best Cheese Combinations for Mac and Cheese
- Baking vs. Stovetop: Which Method is Best?
- Tips for a Perfect Golden Crunch
- Serving Ideas and Pairings
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
This creamy baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a rich, cheesy sauce and a crispy golden topping. Learn how to make the best homemade mac and cheese with simple ingredients, expert tips, and easy variations to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, creamy baked mac and cheese. The perfect balance of tender pasta, rich cheese sauce, and a crispy golden topping makes this dish an all-time favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, this recipe from Clara Cooks is a must-try.
The Secret to the Creamiest Cheese Sauce
The heart of a great mac and cheese lies in its sauce. To achieve the ultimate creaminess, a combination of milk, heavy cream, and just the right blend of cheeses is essential. The key is to use a roux – a mixture of butter and flour – to create a smooth base that coats the pasta perfectly. Adding shredded cheese gradually ensures a velvety consistency without any graininess.
Best Cheese Combinations for Mac and Cheese
Not all cheeses melt the same way, so choosing the right combination is crucial. Classic cheddar provides sharpness, mozzarella adds gooeyness, and Gruyère or Parmesan gives a depth of flavor. For a gourmet twist, try incorporating smoked gouda or fontina for an extra creamy texture.
Baking vs. Stovetop: Which Method is Best?
While some prefer stovetop mac and cheese for its quick and creamy consistency, baking adds an irresistible golden crust that elevates the dish. Baking also allows the flavors to blend more deeply, resulting in a richer taste and texture. If you love the best of both worlds, try making a stovetop version and finishing it under the broiler for a few minutes.
Tips for a Perfect Golden Crunch
The secret to that perfect crispy topping is a combination of buttery panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of extra cheese. Tossing the breadcrumbs in melted butter before baking ensures a golden, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
This creamy baked mac and cheese is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a juicy grilled steak for a complete meal. For a fun twist, add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
For more delicious comfort food recipes, visit Clara Cooks and explore a variety of easy, flavorful dishes!
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Combine the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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