Craving something cheesy, comforting, and soul-satisfying? This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bowl is the ultimate comfort food recipe your taste buds will thank you for. It’s rich, creamy, crunchy on top, and easy enough for weeknights—perfect for kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bowl
✔️ Ultra Creamy Cheese Sauce
✔️ Crunchy Golden Breadcrumb Topping
✔️ Oven-Baked Goodness in Individual Bowls
✔️ Simple Pantry Ingredients
✔️ Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
🧀 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for breadcrumbs)
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👨🍳 How to Make the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bowl (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux (Butter + Flour Base)
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3: Add Milk and Thicken
- Gradually whisk in the milk and stir until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Spices
- Turn off the heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 5: Mix in the Pasta
- Combine the macaroni with cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Step 6: Prepare the Bowls
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease small oven-safe bowls.
Step 7: Add Topping
- Fill bowls with mac and cheese. Mix breadcrumbs and olive oil, then sprinkle on top.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bowl
- Use sharp cheddar for bolder flavor.
- Whole milk ensures maximum creaminess.
- Add a splash of heavy cream for richness.
- Individual ramekins enhance presentation.
🔄 Variations for Your Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bowl
- Add crispy bacon or ham.
- Mix in veggies like spinach or broccoli.
- Try gouda, mozzarella, or parmesan for flavor twists.
❓ FAQ – Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bowl
1. Can I make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
2. What cheese works best for creamy baked macaroni and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic for its strong flavor and meltability. You can also mix in cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or gruyère for a richer, more complex taste.
3. How do I make my mac and cheese sauce extra creamy?
Use whole milk or a mix of milk and heavy cream. Be sure to whisk continuously when making the roux and add cheese off the heat to prevent separation.
4. Can I skip the breadcrumb topping?
Absolutely. While the crispy topping adds texture, you can leave it off or replace it with crushed crackers or extra cheese if preferred.
5. What can I add to this macaroni and cheese bowl to customize it?
Try adding cooked bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed spinach, or roasted garlic. You can also stir in cooked chicken or vegetables for a heartier meal.
6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free elbow pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Make sure your breadcrumbs (if used) are gluten-free too.
Recipe card
Notes
🧾 Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bowl – Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Calories: ~450 per serving (approximate)
🧀 Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for breadcrumbs)
👨🍳 Instructions:
-
Boil Pasta:
Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Make Roux:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. -
Add Milk & Thicken:
Gradually pour in milk, whisking until smooth. Stir until thickened (3–5 minutes). -
Add Cheese & Seasoning:
Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, salt, pepper, and paprika until melted. -
Combine:
Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. -
Prep Bowls:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease oven-safe bowls or ramekins. -
Add Topping:
Spoon pasta into bowls. Combine breadcrumbs and olive oil, sprinkle on top. -
Bake:
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. -
Serve:
Garnish with parsley or chives. Serve hot and enjoy!
💡 Tips:
- Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
- Whole milk or a splash of cream boosts creaminess.
- Bake in ramekins for perfect portions!
🍽️ Try This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bowl Today!
When you need an easy comfort food recipe that hits the spot, this Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bowl delivers rich flavor, nostalgic vibes, and irresistible cheesiness. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or solo indulgence—dig into your own bowl of baked bliss!
Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or as a side dish to your holiday meal, this baked mac and cheese is guaranteed to please. Its golden top and creamy center offer the perfect blend of texture and taste. You can even make it ahead, freeze portions, and reheat when the craving strikes. If you’re a fan of comfort food done right, this dish deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.
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