Crème de la Crème Baked Mac & Cheese

Level up your comfort food game with this Crème de la Crème Baked Mac n Cheese! Rich, creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crust. The best baked mac n cheese recipe, ever!

Crème de la Crème Baked Mac &amp Cheese: A Crowd-Pleaser!

June 7, 2025
By Aidan Rivers.

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Right, let's get down to it. fancy a baked mac n cheese that'll knock your socks off? honestly, who doesn't love a good cheesy pasta bake? this recipe takes the classic comfort food to another level.

Trust me, it's worth it.

Crème de la Crème Baked Mac & Cheese

This isn't just any max and cheese casserole , this is special. it's a grown-up version, packed with flavour and that satisfying crispy crusted mac and cheese topping.

Think velvety cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a buttery crunch. it's total best cheesy mac and cheese heaven.

This homemade mac and cheese casserole is a bit of a labour of love. it takes about 55 minutes from start to finish, with 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven.

The recipe serves 6-8 people. perfect for sharing, or not! i once made this for a potluck and it disappeared in minutes, everyone was obsessed with the texture of the crispy baked mac and cheese.

But why bother, you ask? well, cheesy goodness aside, it's a fantastic source of protein and calcium. plus, it's the ultimate comfort food for a chilly evening or a sunday roast side dish.

This recipe is special because it uses a blend of cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan for a really complex flavour, making it the best max and cheese recipe .

Next up: all the ingredients!

Right then, let's get cracking on a proper baked mac n cheese ! i'm picturing something comforting and cheesy. it has to have that lovely golden crust.

Think of it as a hug in a dish, yeah? honestly, this best mac and cheese recipe will blow your socks off.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cheesy Mac And Cheese

Right, so let's gather our bits and bobs for this crusted mac and cheese masterpiece. Remember, decent ingredients make a decent dish, yeah? Let's dive in:

Main Ingredients: Let's Talk Cheese!

Elbow macaroni pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Get the good stuff, not the cheapo kind that turns to mush.
Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115g) , plus extra for greasing the baking dish.
All-purpose flour: ½ cup (60g) .
Whole milk: 3 cups (710ml) . Makes it properly creamy.
Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) . Don't skip this! It adds warmth.
Ground white pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , or to taste.
Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) , freshly ground.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 4 cups (400g) . Go for a strong one, you want that cheesy BANG.
Shredded Gruyère cheese: 1 cup (100g) . For a touch of class, innit?
Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) .

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Essential spice combinations. nutmeg and white pepper give it that little something . flavour enhancers and aromatics. you can always add a pinch of mustard powder if you're feeling cheeky.

Quick substitution options. no gruyère? try a mild swiss. it works a treat. let's elevate this max n cheese recipe baked .

Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets!

Large pot for boiling pasta.
Large saucepan for the cheese sauce.
Whisk. A good one! You don't want lumps in your sauce.
9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Grater for the cheese. Unless you buy it pre-shredded, you rebel.

Right, that's all the clobber we need for a mac and cheese casserole . it's the ultimate homemade mac and cheese casserole .

This mac and cheese recipe baked creamy is a game changer. get ready for some serious crispy baked mac and cheese action.

You know you want to try this bakes macaroni and cheese recipe!

Right then, let's get cracking on a proper baked mac n cheese ! i'm picturing something comforting, cheesy, and with that lovely golden crust.

Think of it as a hug in a dish, yeah? honestly, this best mac and cheese recipe is a winner.

Crème de la Crème Baked Mac &amp Cheese presentation

Getting Ready for the Mac Attack

Essential Mise en Place

First things first, yeah? get all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. we're talking chopping cheese, measuring milk, and generally being organised.

Honestly, it saves a right pickle later. melt 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter , and measure out 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour .

Get your 3 cups (710ml) whole milk prepped. and don't forget to shred that cheese. you need 4 cups (400g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese , 1 cup (100g) shredded gruyère cheese , and 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese .

The proper way is to freshly shred your own cheese.

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Right, here's a pro tip: grate your cheese ahead of time. pre-shredded stuff is alright, but grating it yourself? chef's kiss! if you want to make a max and cheese casserole , you can even make the cheese sauce a day ahead.

Just store it in the fridge and reheat it gently before adding the pasta.

Safety Reminders

Remember, hot cheese sauce is HOT! Be careful when whisking and stirring. Don't want any cheesy burns, do we?

Let's Get Baking: Step-by-Step

This Bakes Macaroni And Cheese is easier than you think. Follow these steps, and you'll be chowing down in no time.

Cook your 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni pasta according to the package directions in salty water. But slightly under cook. You want it al dente, yeah? Drain it well. This is crucial.
Melt 1/2 cup (115g) butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 1/2 cup (60g) flour until smooth. Cook for 1- 2 minutes. Don't rush this!
Gradually whisk in 3 cups (710ml) milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
Take it off the heat and stir in your spices: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) white pepper, 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper.
Stir in your cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Melt until smooth.
Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
Pour into a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Top with buttered panko breadcrumbs made with 1/2 cup (57g) panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter .
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly. A crispy Crusted Mac And Cheese is the goal.
Let is sit for 5- 10 minutes.

Ace Tips for a Stellar Bake

Honestly, the secret to a Best Cheesy Mac And Cheese is all in the sauce.

Don't be tempted to skip the nutmeg! It adds a lovely warmth. It is worth it to make Homemade Mac And Cheese Casserole from scratch!
If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. Too thin? Simmer it a bit longer.
To ensure a delicious Crispy Baked Mac And Cheese , melt the butter before mixing it with the breadcrumbs and spread the mixture evenly.

Right, that's it from me. Go forth and bake some amazing Max N Cheese Recipe Baked ! Enjoy your Mac And Cheese Recipe Baked Creamy . You've got this!

Right, so you're after some top-notch advice on making your baked mac n cheese the absolute best , aren't ya? i get it.

Nothing worse than bland, sad mac. let's make yours legendary.

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Baked Mac 'n' Cheese Game

Honestly, this best mac and cheese recipe is pretty straightforward. but a few tweaks and bits of know-how can take it from good to oh my gosh, where has this been all my life amazing.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, yeah? for a family meal, just scoop the max and cheese casserole straight from the dish. but if you're having folks over, try individual ramekins for a fancy touch.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a grind of black pepper makes it look extra special. as for sides, think contrast .

A crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. and a cool glass of white wine? chef's kiss!

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Leftover homemade mac and cheese casserole ? no worries! this keeps like a champ. let it cool completely, then whack it in an airtight container.

It'll be good in the fridge for 3-4 days. freezing is also an option. just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating? oven is best for that crispy baked mac and cheese experience. but the microwave works in a pinch. add a splash of milk when reheating to revive the creamy sauce.

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a bit of a twist? for a veggie version, toss in some roasted broccoli or cauliflower before baking. trust me, it’s lush! need it dairy-free? use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.

It won't be exactly the same, but still seriously tasty. seasonal swaps? in autumn, butternut squash puree stirred into the cheese sauce adds warmth and sweetness.

Honestly, experiment and see what you like.

Nutrition Basics: Feel-Good Food, For Real

Okay, so this max n cheese recipe baked isn't exactly a salad, right? but it's soul food. and sometimes, you just need that.

It's got protein from the cheese and carbs for energy. but portions, yeah? a smaller serving with a big salad is a great way to balance things out.

And hey, using whole wheat pasta bumps up the fiber content. that is why is the best cheesy mac and cheese .

Right then, there you have it. all the tips and tricks for a bakes macaroni and cheese that'll knock your socks off.

Now get in that kitchen and get baking! you've got this! this crusted mac and cheese will be the highlight of your table.

This mac and cheese recipe baked creamy , is very easy to create.

Best Cheesy Baked Mac n Cheese? Life-Changing Secret!

Frequently Asked Questions

My baked mac n cheese turned out dry! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

Oh dear, a dry mac 'n' cheese is a right bother, isn't it? It often happens if the cheese sauce wasn't quite rich enough or if it was baked for too long. Next time, ensure your cheese sauce is lovely and creamy before baking – use plenty of cheese and don't be shy with the milk! If it still dries out, try covering the dish loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Can I make this baked mac n cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it ahead of time is a brilliant idea, especially if you're having a right old knees-up. Prepare the mac and cheese completely, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time as it will be starting from chilled. You might need to add a splash of milk to the top before baking if it looks a bit dry.

What are some good cheese variations I can use in this Baked Mac 'n' Cheese recipe?

Crikey, where do we even begin? The cheese options are endless! While cheddar and Gruyère are classics, feel free to get creative. Try adding some smoked Gouda for a smoky depth, or perhaps some sharp provolone for a tangy kick. A bit of Monterey Jack can add extra creaminess, or some spicy pepper jack for a nice bit of heat. Just make sure they melt well to get the best texture. Variety is the spice of life, after all!

How do I store leftover baked mac n cheese, and how long will it last?

To store leftover mac 'n' cheese, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with cling film or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore its creamy texture. You can reheat it in the oven (covered, at a low temperature) or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Is baked mac n cheese healthy? What about lower-calorie alternatives?

Let's be honest, this isn't exactly a kale smoothie, is it? It's comfort food, so it's fairly rich. If you're watching your waistline, you can make a few swaps. Try using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of cheese, or swapping some of the full-fat milk for skimmed. Adding some vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower can also increase the nutritional value without adding too many calories. Everything in moderation, as they say!

My panko topping didn't get as golden brown as I'd like. How can I fix that?

Ah, the golden topping conundrum! If your panko topping isn't quite achieving that glorious golden hue, don't fret. The easiest fix is to pop the baked mac 'n' cheese under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of the baking time. Keep a very close eye on it though, as it can burn quickly. Alternatively, you could try adding a little more melted butter to the panko breadcrumbs before baking, as that helps with browning.