Amazing mac and cheese recipe

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a big hug in a bowl, right? Well, get ready, because this mac and cheese recipe is exactly that – pure, unadulterated comfort. I remember a time not too long ago when my kitchen felt more like a place of stress than joy. I was working those crazy corporate hours, and the thought of cooking after a long day just felt like too much. I honestly thought I wasn’t a ‘kitchen person.’ But then, I started small, with just a simple bread recipe, and when that first perfect loaf came out, golden and warm, something clicked. I found this incredible peace and happiness in creating something delicious with my own hands. That’s the feeling I want to share with you here. This creamy baked mac and cheese is all about bringing people together with food that’s simple, soul-satisfying, and honestly, just plain good. After years of playing around in the kitchen, I’ve landed on a recipe that’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for warming up your soul on any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Recipe

It’s unbelievably creamy and cheesy – seriously, the sauce is just dreamy!

So easy for busy weeknights; we’re talking minimal fuss, maximum flavor.

It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food that everyone raves about.

That golden, crispy breadcrumb topping? It’s the perfect crunchy contrast to all that creamy goodness.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Mac and Cheese Recipe

Alright, let’s get cooking! The beauty of this recipe is that it uses stuff you probably already have or can grab super easily. Because really, who needs complicated ingredients when you’re craving comfort? These are all pretty standard things that come together to make something truly special. Trust me, the whole thing comes together with just a few simple pantry staples and some good cheese. That’s the Pure Cooking Joy way – making fantastic food accessible for everyone.

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Crafting Your Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get this cheesy goodness going! Making this baked mac and cheese recipe is honestly a breeze, and I’ll walk you through exactly how I do it. First things first, you’ll want to get your oven all warmed up to 375°F (that’s 190°C). While it’s heating, grab your baking dish – a standard 9×13 inch one is perfect – and give it a little grease so nothing sticks. While that’s happening, get your elbow macaroni cooking according to the package directions. The key here is “al dente,” which just means cooked but with a tiny bit of bite left. We don’t want mushy pasta!

Once the pasta is drained, set it aside for a sec. Now, for the magic sauce! In a big saucepan, melt that half cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melty, whisk in the flour. You’ll want to stir that around for about a minute – just until it smells a little nutty. This bit is important for thickening our sauce, so don’t skip it! Then comes the creamy part: slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep stirring constantly as it heats up. You’ll notice it start to thicken into a lovely, smooth sauce. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t let it boil over!

Once your sauce is nice and thick, take it off the heat. Time for the cheese! Stir in all that shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere, plus the salt, pepper, and paprika. Keep stirring until all that cheese is completely melted and the sauce is luscious and smooth. Seriously, it’s so dreamy. Then, add your cooked macaroni right into this glorious cheese sauce and give it a good stir to make sure every single noodle is coated. Pour all of that deliciousness into your prepared baking dish. For that perfect crunchy topping, quickly mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle it all over the top of your mac and cheese. Pop it in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown topping and some bubbly, cheesy edges. Let it rest for a few minutes after it comes out – it’ll be super hot!

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Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let me give you a few little secrets I’ve picked up that just take this baked mac and cheese from *good* to *absolutely unforgettable*. These are the kinds of things that make a dish feel special and truly worth sharing, because great food is all about making those connections, right?

Shred Your Own Cheese! Seriously, don’t buy the pre-shredded stuff. It has anti-caking agents that actually stop it from melting as smoothly. Grating your own cheese, especially good quality cheddar and Gruyere, makes all the difference in getting that super creamy, luscious sauce. It’s a small step, but wow, does it pack a flavor punch!

Don’t Overcook Your Pasta! Remember, we want *al dente*. The pasta is going to cook a bit more in the oven, so if you cook it perfectly tender now, it’ll turn to mush later. A little bite is exactly what you want. This helps keep everything from getting too soft and gooey.

Get That Crispy Topping Just Right. The panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter are your best friend here. Make sure you get an even layer on top before baking. It adds that perfect crunch and golden-brown finish that makes this dish so satisfying. It’s all about that texture contrast!

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Ingredient Notes and Simple Substitutions

So, let’s talk about the stars of this show! While sharp cheddar and Gruyere are my go-to for that perfect tangy and nutty flavor that melts like a dream, feel free to get a little creative. Monterey Jack or even a good Fontina can give you that same gorgeous creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experiment with different pasta shapes, no problem! Cavatappi or shells work beautifully, they just catch that amazing sauce so well. It’s all about making this mac and cheese recipe your own.

Making Ahead and Storing Your Mac and Cheese

Busy weeknights? I’ve got you covered! You can totally assemble this glorious mac and cheese ahead of time. Just make it right up until you’re about to bake it – cover it tightly with foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep nicely for a day or two. When you’re ready to bake it, just pull it out, remove the foil, and bake as usual, maybe adding a few extra minutes to get it all bubbly again. Don’t forget to let it sit for a bit before diving in!

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Mac and Cheese Recipe

Nutritional Estimate for Your Comfort Dinner Recipe

Just a friendly heads-up: the nutrition info for this amazing mac and cheese is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on which specific brands of ingredients you use and how you might tweak things. We’re all about deliciousness here, and honestly, the joy it brings is the most important ingredient!

Share Your Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Creations!

I just love hearing from you all! Have you tried this creamy baked mac and cheese yet? I’d be absolutely thrilled if you’d leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you, or maybe share your favorite little tweak or addition! If you share photos on social media, be sure to tag me – I want to see your gorgeous creations!

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

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A simple, comforting baked mac and cheese recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. This recipe focuses on creating a rich, creamy sauce and a golden-brown topping.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
10. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Fontina.
• Add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or sautéed mushrooms for a protein boost.
• If you prefer a spicier mac and cheese, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• This recipe is a great base for customization; consider adding truffle oil for a gourmet touch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg