Enjoy this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe that delivers rich flavors and a smooth texture. It’s perfect for gatherings and features the best oven bake mac and cheese with cream. This dish is a hit for any Mac And Cheese With Cream lovers.
Author:Virginie Lacombe
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:Serves 10 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Diet:Standard
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups of heavy whipping cream
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
2 cups shredded gruyere cheese or mozzarella cheese
½ + teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Panko breadcrumbs optional
Instructions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil water in a saucepan and cook elbow macaroni for the shortest time indicated on the package to keep it al-dente.
Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it into a baking dish.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream then add 2 cups of cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth, then bring it to a gentle simmer.
Mix the creamy cheese sauce with the pasta thoroughly.
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
The recipe can be doubled and cooked in a larger baking pan
We don’t recommend using pre-shredded cheese since it contains potato starch and doesn’t melt as well or create nice cheese pulls
For a crispier, browner top, switch the oven off and use the broiler setting until you get your preferred browning
You can also add precooked protein to turn this into a complete one-pan meal
Increase smoked paprika for a smokier flavor loved by many