Let’s whip up the yummiest baked mac and cheese together! This easy recipe ensures your mac and cheese turns out perfectly simple, creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor – not too overwhelming!
Best Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 10 oz elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup unsalted butter equivalent to 56g
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk about 720g
- 1 cup heavy cream around 240g
- ¼ cup cream cheese at room temperature (4 oz or 113g)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ to 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup each of shredded cheddar cheese Gruyère cheese, and mozzarella cheese for the cheese sauce
- ½ cup each of shredded cheddar cheese Gruyère cheese, and mozzarella cheese for layering
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (conventional).
- Cook the macaroni according to the box instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside.
- Shred the cheeses, keeping the ones for the sauce separate from those for layering.
- In a nonstick pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and stir until golden and fragrant. Then add salt, spices, and stir for one minute.
- Pour in the milk, cream, and cream cheese. Whisk until combined and cook until it comes to a boil. Turn off the heat.
- Gradually add 1 cup each of shredded cheeses, stirring until melted. Mix in the boiled macaroni, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Take a 7×11″ casserole/ceramic baking dish. Spread half of the mac and cheese mixture, then sprinkle half of the set-aside cheese mixture for layering. Add the remaining mac and cheese, and top it off with the remaining cheese.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a light dusting of paprika.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top cheese is melted. Broil for a few minutes for that golden touch.
- Serve and savor the deliciousness!