Grandma’s Cozy Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Crafting the ultimate creamy macaroni and cheese casserole takes skill and passion that will make everyone at the table cheer.

Comfort arrives in a bubbling dish packed with rich, velvety goodness.

Memories of childhood dinners flood back with each cheesy bite.

Southern kitchens have perfected this classic comfort food through generations of love and careful technique.

Layers of melted cheese create a magical backdrop for tender pasta that promises pure satisfaction.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary when you transform simple ingredients into something spectacular.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible casserole.

Why This Mac and Cheese Casserole Wins

• Creamy, cheesy goodness that makes both children and adults swoon, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces at the dinner table.
• Adaptable as a hearty main dish or delicious side, this casserole works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings.
• Easily modify with different cheese blends, add crispy bacon, or mix in vegetables to create your personalized comfort food masterpiece.

Ingredients for Creamy Mac and Cheese Bake

• Macaroni: Pasta base for the creamy casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese for rich taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds melty and stretchy texture.
• Milk: Creamy foundation for the sauce.
• Cream: Enhances richness and smoothness.

• Butter: Creates smooth base for cheese sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth and balanced flavor.

How to Make This Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt.

Drop the macaroni into the bubbling water and cook until it’s just tender.

Drain the pasta completely in a colander, shaking off excess water.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for one minute to create a smooth roux.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Gradually pour in warm milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes silky smooth, which takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until the cheeses completely melt and blend into a luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cheese sauce into the cooked macaroni, ensuring every noodle gets a delicious coating.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle additional cheese on top if you want extra gooeyness.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

For a crispy golden top, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Pro Tips for a Gooey Macaroni Casserole

• Cook macaroni just until tender to prevent mushy texture when baked.
• Mix sharp cheddar with mozzarella for rich, creamy melting quality and deeper flavor profile.
• Whisk milk mixture slowly and continuously to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, velvety sauce.
• Add pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to cheese sauce for subtle complexity and warmth.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top before final broiling for golden, crunchy texture.

Save and Reheat Mac and Cheese the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread mac and cheese in baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding extra cheese on top for extra flavor and moisture.

Pairing Favorites with Mac and Cheese

• Pair Crisp Green Salad: Cut through the richness with a light, tangy mixed green salad featuring fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creamy mac and cheese.
• Recommend Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel that complements the cheese's bold flavors and provides a smooth drinking experience alongside the hearty casserole.
• Serve Crunchy Garlic Bread: Add textural contrast with toasted garlic bread slices, offering a crispy side that enhances the creamy pasta's comfort food appeal and provides additional savory notes.
• Suggest Bright Citrus Slaw: Prepare a refreshing coleslaw with citrus vinaigrette, creating a sharp, clean flavor that cuts through the dish's heaviness and adds a vibrant, cool element to the meal.

Topping and Add-In Ideas for Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, using gluten-free macaroni to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Creamy Pasta Bake: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream, using plant-based milk and vegan butter alternatives for a dairy-free option.
• Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or cooked ground turkey into the casserole for added protein and nutrition.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace traditional macaroni with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar creamy texture and comfort food experience.

FAQs

• Why is it important to cook macaroni al dente?

Cooking pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy during baking. The pasta will continue to absorb moisture in the casserole, so keeping it slightly firm ensures a perfect texture in the final dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella work great, you can experiment with gruyère, monterey jack, or parmesan. Just ensure you use cheeses that melt well for a creamy consistency.

• How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese to the sauce off the heat and stir gently. This helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture and prevents the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.

• What's the purpose of whisking flour into melted butter?

This creates a roux, which helps thicken the cheese sauce and provides a rich, smooth base. Cooking the flour for a minute also removes any raw flour taste, ensuring a more refined flavor.

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort classic macaroni and cheese casserole delivers rich, cheesy goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Melted cheddar, creamy sauce, and golden breadcrumb topping promise pure culinary satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Dairy and Fat Components:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Optional Topping:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Boil macaroni in salted water until tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
4. Sprinkle flour into melted butter, whisking constantly to create a golden roux without burning, about 1 minute.
5. Gradually pour warm milk and cream into the roux, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and create a silky consistency.
6. Simmer sauce until thickened, approximately 4 minutes, stirring consistently to maintain smooth texture.
7. Reduce heat and incorporate cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
8. Season sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors as needed.
9. Gently fold macaroni into cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
10. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and sprinkling additional cheese on top if desired.
11. Bake uncovered for 22-26 minutes until top turns golden and edges become crispy.
12. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to create a more caramelized cheese crust.
13. Allow casserole to rest 7-10 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Choose high-moisture cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for maximum creaminess and flavor depth.
• Prevent grainy sauce by adding cheese off direct heat and stirring gently to maintain smooth texture.
• Use whole milk or heavy cream for richer, more luxurious mac and cheese consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 100mg