Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a Rich and Creamy Sauce

Creamy baked mac and cheese is one of the most beloved comfort foods of all time. This delicious recipe delivers everything you want—perfectly cooked pasta, a smooth and cheesy sauce, and a golden top layer of melted cheddar. Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish for your holiday dinner or a satisfying main meal, this baked mac and cheese hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Ultra creamy and cheesy interior
Made with a combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar
Easy, reliable, and family-approved
Oven-baked for the perfect crispy top layer
Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and comfort food cravings

Ingredients

To make this rich and creamy baked mac and cheese, you will need:

1 lb. dry elbow macaroni pasta
½ cup salted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (room temperature, 2% or whole milk)
2 cups half-and-half (room temperature)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
12 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed and softened
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
Optional: olive oil (to prevent pasta from sticking)

How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

✅ Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

✅ Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for 1 minute less than the package instructions for “al dente” (about 8 minutes).
Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.

✅ Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half, continuing to stir until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce.

Gradually add all of the Velveeta cheese and 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese.
Whisk or stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well.

✅ Step 4: Combine and Bake

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheddar cheese on top.

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

️ Serving Suggestions

This creamy baked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with:

Roasted chicken or turkey
BBQ ribs or pulled pork
Green salad or steamed broccoli

It’s also satisfying enough to stand on its own as a main dish!

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

For more details, visit the full recipe

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