• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Fork Bite

  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Privacy & Disclosure
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • 15 Minutes Meal
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Privacy|Disclosure
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • 15 Minutes Meal
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Privacy|Disclosure
×

Home » Recipe » Creamy, Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese

Oct 14, 2017 · Last Updated: Mar 18, 2022 by Calleigh ~

Creamy, Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

Who doesn't love mac and cheese? I know I'm not raising my hand on that questions a dish I love to eat in restaurants, but until recently, didn't make it at home because I never could get the perfect cheese sauce and don't care for the box mix style, which has absolutely no personality.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese - This is one of my family favorite recipes. It's so cheesy, creamy with tons of rich cheese sauce and topped with Doritos making it extra delicious!

Jump to:
  • What to do with the leftover mac and cheese?
  • For soggy overcooked pasta:
  • Full Recipe
  • Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

But now, thanks to a recipe on Pinterest, I can make my own super version of mac and cheese at home, using any type of cheese I want.

I don't want to sound unpatriotic, but plain American cheese just wasn't cutting it for me when it came to this dish---although it did remind me of some fond childhood memories.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese - This is one of my family favorite recipes. It's so cheesy, creamy with tons of rich cheese sauce and topped with Doritos making it extra delicious!

Check This: Chicken and Rice Casserole

I wanted to make a dish you could embellish with any type of cheese you choose, “grown-up” but also one that was creamy, delicious and just as memorable as it was when I was a child. That was a tall order.

This recipe has it all, primarily because you don't make a cheesy sauce first, but grate the cheese on top of the macaroni.

Then pour a creamy sauce over it, top it with Pounded Doritos (or Panko breadcrumbs browned with butter). But I like the taste of Doritos instead (it's only a matter of preference) but highly recommended.


Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese - This is one of my family favorite recipes. It's so cheesy, creamy with tons of rich cheese sauce and topped with Doritos making it extra delicious!

That may not seem like a huge difference since you could always add any cheese to the sauce you wanted, but it is.

What's the reason? I can make as many as four different types of mac and cheese at once!

The key is that you top the pasta with the cheese. So if I want a combination of Gouda and white cheddar, I only put that shredded cheese on one quarter, one third or one half the pasta and then top the other sections based on my family's or guest's taste.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese - This is one of my family favorite recipes. It's so cheesy, creamy with tons of rich cheese sauce and topped with Doritos making it extra delicious!

To finish off this delight, just pop it in a preheated 325° F oven for 12 - 15 minutes and you have the perfect grownup mac that will please everybody at the table. You can even use plain ole' American cheese if you're hankering for a blast from the past.


What to do with the leftover mac and cheese?

Well, you can transform the leftover Mac and Cheese into an amazing, yummilicious Mac and Cheese Balls. They are perfect finger foods for weekend family gatherings or your Super Bowl party!

transform the leftover Mac and Cheese into an amazing, yummilicious Mac and Cheese Balls. They are perfect finger foods for weekend family gatherings or your Super Bowl party!

Interesting Reads:

  • 9 Substitutes for Milk in Mac and Cheese
  • Mac and Cheese Breadsticks
  • Trisha Yearwood Crockpot Mac and Cheese
  • What Goes Well with Mac and Cheese

For soggy overcooked pasta:

Toss some butter over the freshly drained macaroni pasta. Doing this will slightly coat the noodles to help stop from absorbing more liquid as it bakes.

Remember, hot pasta absorbs more liquid easily. Therefore, it's better to cool them down before mixing the sauce.

Toss some butter over the freshly drained macaroni pasta so they'll be slightly coated to help stop from absorbing more liquid as it bakes.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 3 cups sharp or white Cheddar (freshly shredded)
  • 3 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • ½ cup Doritos (or Panko bread crumbs)

Seasonings

  • garlic powder (1 tsp)
  • onion powder (1 tsp)
  • mustard powder (1 tsp)
  • adobo seasoning (1 tsp)

Step by step instructions

for Pasta:

1 Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook per package directions. Drain the water and add the 1 tablespoon of butter, toss until melted. Set aside to cool down.


for creamy Mac and Cheese sauce

1 Melt butter over low heat in a large saucepan. Add the flour and whisk constantly until smooth for about a minute.


2 Gradually pour 1 cup of milk, keep whisking to mix and dissolve the flour, then add the remaining milk and whisk until lump free.


3 Season with the seasonings above and adjust according to your taste.


4 Keep stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency. Turn off the heat.


for the assembling:

5 Grease a baking dish and add the pasta. Sprinkle the 6 cups freshly shredded cheese over the top. Pour the creamy sauce over the cheese, wait a bit and stir everything together.


6 Now, pound 1 cup Doritos and sprinkle them on top of the Mac and Cheese.


7 If you are using Panko Crumbs - Melt 1 tablespoon butter and add ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs. Stir constantly until golden brown and sprinkle over the Mac and Cheese.


Bake in a pre-heated 325°F oven for 12 -15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.


Watch The Video Below


More Sauce, More Creamy Mac and Cheese

Who wants a dry Mac and Cheese? I don't like my Mac and Cheese where there's no sauce left after it came out from the oven, so I added more sauce.

The result is cheesy, creamy sauce for my Mac and Cheese and my family loves it.

Related recipes

  • Beef Tacos Pizza Rollups
  • Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Fried Calamari Recipe

Full Recipe

This is one of my family favorite recipes. It's so cheesy, creamy with tons of rich cheese sauce and topped with Doritos making it extra delicious!

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

3.95 from 54 votes
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese - This is one of my family favorite recipes. It's so cheesy, creamy with tons of rich cheese sauce and topped with Doritos making it extra delicious!
Servings: 8
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 3 cups sharp or white Cheddar (freshly shredded)
  • 3 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • ½ cup Doritos (or Panko bread crumbs)

Seasonings :

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning

Instructions:

PASTA:

  • Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook per package directions.
  • Drain the water and add the 1 tablespoon of butter, toss until melted. Set aside to cool.

Creamy Mac and Cheese Sauce (You Can Watch the Video Above):

  • Melt butter over low heat in a large saucepan. Add the flour and whisk constantly until smooth for about a minute.
  • Gradually pour 1 cup of milk, keep whisking to mix and dissolve the flour, then add the remaining milk and whisk until lump free.
  • Season with the seasonings above and adjust according to your taste.
  • Keep stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency. Turn off the heat.

Assembling:

  • Grease a baking dish and add the pasta. Sprinkle the 6 cups freshly shredded cheese over the top. Pour the creamy sauce over the cheese, wait a bit and stir everything together.
  • Now, pound 1 cup Doritos and sprinkle them on top of the Mac and Cheese.
  • If you are using Panko Crumbs - Melt 1 tablespoon butter and add ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, stir constantly until golden brown and sprinkle over the Mac and Cheese.
  • Bake in a pre-heated 325° F oven for 12 -15 minutes

Watch the Video:

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 676.72kcal | Carbohydrates: 40.71g | Protein: 34.63g | Fat: 41.52g | Saturated Fat: 24.82g | Sodium: 926.42mg | Fiber: 1.45g | Sugar: 7.67g

Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results.

Did you make this?I would love seeing what you've made! Tag me on Instagram @theforkbitedotcom or leave me a comment or rating below.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese balls, cheesy baked mac and cheese, dorito mac and cheese bites, doritos mac and cheese, super creamy baked mac and cheese

More Easy Recipes

  • Moo Shu Beef is a classic Chinese dish that features tender slices of marinated beef stir-fried with a colorful mix of vegetables and served with a delicious, savory hoisin sauce.
    Moo Shu Beef Recipe
  • Recreate the delicious Cheesecake Factory Miso Salmon at home with our easy-to-follow copycat recipe. Enjoy restaurant-quality flavor, step-by-step instructions, and a satisfying dining experience in your kitchen!
    Cheesecake Factory Miso Salmon Copycat Recipe
  • Discover the secret to Hooters' famous Spicy Garlic Sauce recipe! Learn how to make this mouth-watering, tangy sauce at home in just a few easy steps. Perfect for wings, dips, and more!
    Hooters Spicy Garlic Sauce Copycat Recipe
  • Looking for a copycat recipe for J Alexander's famous Rattlesnake Pasta? Look no further! Our step-by-step guide will show you how to recreate this delicious dish at home, complete with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and spicy jalapeños.
    J alexander's Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe (+ Video)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cora J says

    June 17, 2020 at 8:21 am

    5 stars
    I LOVE THIS RECIPE... thank you for posting.. my picky kiddo just love this mac and cheese, I cant believe he would ask for second.

  2. Miriam Cayton says

    February 11, 2019 at 6:13 pm

    I love this Mac and cheese topped with DORITOS. My picky eater kiddo wants for a second all the time. This is super creamy and yummy!!! We love it.. thank you for sharing.

  3. Agness of Run Agness Run says

    October 25, 2017 at 2:20 am

    Who doesn't love a good mac and cheese recipe, right?! Can't wait to try it, Calleigh! Well done!

  4. Sami Summers says

    October 22, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    This sounds fantastic! I've been on a hunt to find the perfect baked mac and cheese. So excited to try this out!

  5. Lauren says

    October 21, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    Literally afraid to make this because I would eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner....forever.

  6. Shannon says

    October 20, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    This looks AMAZING!! Pinned for future reference, thank you!!

  7. Mimi says

    October 20, 2017 at 9:27 am

    This looks delicious! I love mac and cheese 😀

  8. Christopher Mitchell says

    October 18, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    I just had dinner and now I'm instantly desperately hungry. For that I both thank you and despise you. Joking aside, thanks for the post on this dish, it looks just delicious!

  9. Tiina A says

    October 17, 2017 at 11:38 am

    Nothing beats a good mac and cheese! It must be creamy and a bit crispy too. Lots of cheese and some herbs or other spices. Thanks for remaining me of this dish 🙂

  10. eliza says

    October 17, 2017 at 2:19 am

    OMG! Mac and Cheese is my superb favorite - and adding more cheese - making more creamy is totally awesome for me. I truly love your post and almost memorize it -- because we will have this dish on weekend. Thank you

  11. five little doves says

    October 16, 2017 at 11:10 am

    YUM!! Mac and cheese is THE only dish I know I can make and all of my children will eat it! I don't eat it with being GF but I am salivating at the thought right now!

  12. Ana De- Jesus says

    October 16, 2017 at 10:58 am

    Mac and cheese is one of my favourite dishes so I was excited to read your recipe on how to make a baked mac and cheese. I really love how you topped it with Doritos crumbs that is truly original x

  13. Amalia says

    October 16, 2017 at 10:14 am

    I love Mac and Cheese and this looks delicious!!

  14. Our Family World says

    October 16, 2017 at 8:15 am

    Oh wow. Baked Macaroni is good as it is, but to bake it with additional cheese on top made it level up the ladder of deliciousness. Thanks for sharing your idea.

  15. Sreekar says

    October 16, 2017 at 4:38 am

    Loved such simple dishes. We do it differently at home. Will surely try your recipe come Sunday!

  16. Star harford says

    October 16, 2017 at 4:33 am

    I always get soggy pasta so tossing some butter over the freshly drained macaroni pasta to coat it is a great tip! The recipe looks delicious!

  17. Emily says

    October 15, 2017 at 7:56 am

    Cheesy comfort food is the best, I love the crunchy topping!

  18. Debra C. says

    October 15, 2017 at 7:39 am

    Oh my goodness, just look at that cheesy stretch - yes, I think you've achieved pasta perfection!!

  19. Elizabeth says

    October 15, 2017 at 6:25 am

    Oh gosh this sounds amazing! I have a sudden craving for a helping of delicious mac and cheese now! Love the idea of putting crushed Doritos in it!

  20. Ayngelina Brogan says

    October 15, 2017 at 5:48 am

    I've been craving comfort food and this looks perfect.

  21. Sara says

    October 15, 2017 at 4:55 am

    This looks super creamy ! I love mac and cheese!

Trackbacks

  1. Page not found | The Fork Bite says:
    02/11/2019 at 4:40 pm

    […] Creamy, Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese […]

  2. Fried Mac and Cheese Balls says:
    02/11/2019 at 4:31 pm

    […] Read: Baked Mac and Cheese […]

Primary Sidebar

abt me 150x150 Hi there, my name is Calleigh. Glad you're here, you will find recipes that are easy to make and taste fantastic. You’ll also find some of my personal favorite foods, ones I’ve eaten in restaurants. Thank you for stopping by.

Copyright © 2023 · The Fork Bite

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT