If you’ve ever dreamed of a rich, cheesy pasta dish that doesn’t require the fuss of boiling water first, then this Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine elbow macaroni bathing in a luscious blend of whole milk, heavy cream, and not one but two kinds of melty cheese, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection without the extra step of stovetop boiling. It’s comfort food elevated to effortless excellence, delivering creamy, dreamy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this mac and cheese sing. Each item plays a crucial role—from the pasta that provides the perfect bite, to spices that add depth, to cheeses that melt into silky, cheesy heaven.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the luscious texture and velvety mouthfeel.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Offers that beloved tangy, bold cheese flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a smooth, stretchy finish.
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces: Dotting on top adds golden richness and helps form a gorgeous crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses gentle complexity and savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder: Gives a slight tang and helps bring out the cheese’s character.
How to Make Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready to go. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly—this extra step ensures nothing will stick and makes your cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Layer the Pasta
Pour your dry elbow macaroni into the baking dish and spread it out evenly. It may feel unusual to bake dry pasta, but trust me, it will soak up all those wonderful dairy and cheese flavors in the oven.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. This mixture is the heart of your sauce, blending those seasonings into every bite.
Step 4: Mix in Half the Cheese
Stir half of the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the milk and cream mixture. This ensures that the pasta absorbs the cheesy goodness from within, not just on top.
Step 5: Combine and Coat
Pour the cheesy milk mixture over the dry pasta in the baking dish. Gently stir to coat all the noodles thoroughly, helping each piece soak in the creamy sauce evenly.
Step 6: Add the Final Cheese and Butter Layer
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then dot with those small butter pieces. This top layer is what will bake into a golden, irresistible crust that makes this dish so memorable.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top turns beautifully golden and the pasta has softened to tender perfection. The smell at this stage will be absolutely tantalizing!
Step 8: Let It Rest
After baking, allow your mac and cheese to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This little pause helps the sauce thicken up further, so each serving holds together beautifully without being runny.
How to Serve Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika add vibrant color and subtle fresh notes that contrast wonderfully with the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with crisp greens like a simple arugula salad or steamed broccoli to cut through the creaminess. For heartier meals, serve alongside roasted chicken or crispy bacon for extra savory indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. Or even top with crispy breadcrumbs or fried onions just before serving for added crunch and texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your remaining Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld even more during this time, making for excellent next-day comfort.
Freezing
This mac and cheese freezes well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain that creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave in intervals stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps restore that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, small shells or cavatappi also work wonderfully because they hold onto the sauce well. Just keep the baking time the same.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
It’s best to bake uncovered to allow the top to develop a beautiful golden crust. Covering might cause the cheese topping to become soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly since it’s made with dairy and pasta. Just ensure the cheese you use doesn’t contain animal rennet if that’s a concern.
Is it necessary to use both sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese?
Using both creates a wonderful balance of bold flavor and smooth meltiness. However, if you prefer, you can swap mozzarella for another melty cheese like Monterey Jack or fontina.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand. The rest of the recipe stays the same and is equally delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish that skips the boiling drama but still delivers all the cheesy goodness, this Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese Recipe is pure magic. Once you try it, it might just become a staple in your recipe rotation for cozy weeknights or special family dinners. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy No Boil Mac & Cheese recipe delivers a rich, comforting casserole with a luscious cheese sauce made directly in the oven. Combining sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with whole milk and heavy cream, this dish offers a velvety texture without the hassle of boiling pasta beforehand. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for a family-friendly meal or gathering dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Dairy
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Add dry pasta: Pour the dry elbow macaroni into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly in a single layer.
- Mix liquids and seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder until well combined.
- Add cheeses to mixture: Stir half of the shredded sharp cheddar and shredded mozzarella cheeses into the milk and cream mixture, blending the flavors throughout.
- Combine pasta with cheese mixture: Pour the cheese and milk mixture evenly over the dry pasta in the baking dish. Gently stir to ensure all the elbow macaroni is coated with the liquid mixture.
- Top with remaining cheese and butter: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta, then dot the surface with small pieces of butter for richness and browned topping.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly and the pasta is tender.
- Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Do not boil the pasta beforehand; it cooks perfectly during baking absorbing the creamy sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Letting the dish rest after baking is crucial for the sauce to set properly.
- You can substitute half the cheddar with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile.
- Use a baking dish with at least 2-quart capacity to allow room for expansion as pasta cooks.
