When it comes to mac and cheese, the culinary quest for the perfect recipe can feel endless. With a galaxy of options—from stovetop to baked, from sharp cheddar to smoked gouda—where do you even begin? We’ve been on this journey for you, trying what feels like every single mac and cheese recipe in the world, and we’re here to tell you that the search ends now. This is the one!
This isn’t just any baked macaroni and cheese; it’s an Extra Creamy Classic Baked mac n cheese simple recipe that has been tried, tested, and crowned the supreme ruler of our kitchen. It’s the dish that gets requested time and time again, the one that guarantees a moment of pure, unadulterated comfort with every single bite.
What makes it so special?
It all starts with the sauce—a stunningly smooth, satiny, and rich creamy cheese sauce that blankets every macaroni noodle. Forget grainy or clumpy. This is a silky, almost ethereal sauce that coats the pasta with maximum flavor, thanks to a carefully crafted blend of real cheeses and honest-to-goodness ingredients. It’s the kind of sauce that you’ll want to lick right off the spoon before it even hits the oven.
But the real magic happens in the baking. We top this incredible creation with a golden, buttery breadcrumb crust that creates the most satisfying textural contrast imaginable. It’s the secret weapon that makes this dish a true showstopper. You get a delightful crunch in every bite, a symphony of textures that perfectly complements the luscious, velvety pasta underneath.
Soul-Satisfying Comfort Food
This isn’t a new-fangled trend; it’s a real Creole Southern classic, the kind of soul-satisfying comfort food that our mammas and pappas made, passed down through generations. It’s a dish made with love, with real ingredients, and with a commitment to incredible flavor. It’s the reason this mac and cheese is a holiday fixture, becoming the undisputed star of every Thanksgiving and Christmas table.
Best of all? This recipe is as friendly on your wallet as it is on your taste buds. It’s the ultimate cost-friendly dish that delivers a premium, homemade experience for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this is a dish you’ll absolutely love to make, eat, and share.
✅ Tasty: Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and taste what makes this classic and that will change how you think about mac and cheese forever?
In need of a more healthier dish to make. Try the quick and easy Thai Basil Chicken Recipe dish.
Extra Creamy Classic Baked Mac n Cheese Simple Recipe
Description
Extra Creamy Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious and most satisfying home-cooked dish that is excellent for a quick dinner or a satisfying complementary dish. Made with creamy cheese, crunchy topping, and more cheese, this dish is packed with flavorsome.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cheese melts.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and stir well.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 386kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.7g26%
- Saturated Fat 2.4g12%
- Total Carbohydrate 56.5g19%
- Sugars 7.5g
- Protein 18.2g37%
- Vitamin A 302 IU
- Vitamin C 12 mg
- Calcium 135 mg
- Iron 7 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Using multiple cheeses is the ultimate secret to unlocking a truly rich and creamy mac and cheese! The key is to blend different cheeses to create layers of flavor and the perfect, velvety texture.
For your next batch, try mixing a sharp cheese like cheddar for a classic, tangy taste, a melty, gooey cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for that perfect pull, and a savory cheese like Parmesan for depth and a touch of saltiness. This combination ensures a magnificent sauce that’s both flavorful and incredibly smooth.
Want to learn more about achieving mac and cheese perfection? Here are a few extra tips for an even better result:
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, so shredding a block of cheese yourself is always best.
- Create a Roux: Starting with a classic flour and butter roux is the foundation of a silky, lump-free sauce.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni a minute or two less than the package directions, as it will continue to cook in the oven and you want it to retain some texture.
Happy cooking!
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