This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is everything you want in classic comfort food: rich, velvety cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a golden, bubbly topping. It’s baked to perfection for that irresistible combo of creamy inside and lightly crisp on top.
Perfect for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving real, homemade mac and cheese.
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Prep time: about 20 minutes
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Bake time: 20–25 minutes
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Total time: about 45 minutes
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Serves: about 6–8
Ingredients
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1 pound elbow macaroni
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½ cup butter
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for extra creaminess)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds a warm, subtle flavor)
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4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp)
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1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor)
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Breadcrumbs, for topping
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce (Roux + Milk + Seasoning)
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux (this cooks out the raw flour taste).
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Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
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Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes).
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Stir in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Add the Cheese
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Reduce the heat to low.
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Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses to the sauce.
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Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Assemble
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Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece of pasta is well coated.
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Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle an even layer of breadcrumbs over the top for a crisp, golden finish.
Bake
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Preheat (or keep) the oven at 350°F (175°C).
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Bake the mac and cheese for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Serve
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Let the baked mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving so it can set slightly.
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Serve warm, ideally with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for balance.
Tips & Variations
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Extra cheesy:
Add an extra cup of cheese on top before baking for a super gooey, cheesy crust. -
Crunchy topping:
Mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and grated Parmesan before sprinkling on top. -
Flavor twist:
Add a pinch of paprika, dry mustard, or cayenne to the sauce for a subtle kick. -
Protein boost:
Stir in cooked bacon, ham, shredded chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a heartier dish.
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