Christmas Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese
Golden, bubbly, and irresistibly creamy — the ultimate holiday comfort food in a pan.
Introduction
Mac & cheese is a year‑round favorite, but during the holidays it becomes something truly special. This Christmas Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is rich, indulgent, and designed to be the star of your festive table. With its velvety sauce, gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and golden baked crust, every scoop feels like pure comfort.
It’s the kind of dish that brings family together, warms the soul, and pairs beautifully with roasted meats, glazed ham, or even a simple green salad.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all‑purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Preheat Oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Make Roux: Melt butter in a pot. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste.
Add Milk: Slowly whisk in milk. Stir until thick and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cheese Sauce: Turn off heat. Stir in 3 cups cheddar and all mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Combine: Mix sauce with pasta. Pour into prepared baking dish.
Top: Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar over the top.
Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Optional Broil: For a browned crust, broil 1–2 minutes at the end — watch closely.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Tips for Success
Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce.
Don’t overcook pasta — it will continue cooking in the oven.
Shred cheese yourself for smoother melting (pre‑shredded often has anti‑caking agents).
Resting after baking helps sauce set before serving.
Variations
Festive Twist: Add diced ham or crispy bacon for holiday flavor.
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for a seasonal touch.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or chili flakes to the sauce.
Crunchy Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle over cheese before baking.
Serving Ideas
Pair with roasted turkey or glazed ham.
Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.
Present in a festive casserole dish for holiday flair.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color.
Storytelling Element
Picture the holiday table: twinkling lights, laughter, and a bubbling dish of mac & cheese at the center. As you scoop into the pan, the golden crust gives way to creamy pasta beneath — rich, cheesy, and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving only smiles and requests for seconds.
Conclusion
This Christmas Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is more than a side dish — it’s holiday comfort in every bite. With its creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and golden crust, it’s destined to become a family tradition.