Easy baked macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that is loved by people of all ages. It is a comfort food that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. The best recipe for easy baked macaroni and cheese is one that is simple to follow and uses ingredients that you already have in your pantry. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and cheesy dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CRISPY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 50m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish; set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, until smooth and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the bay leaf, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens slightly, 7 to 8 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and whisk in the monterey jack, gruyere and cheddar one cheese at a time, allowing each cheese to melt before adding more. Add the pasta and stir until coated, adding the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen (the sauce will thicken as it bakes).
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the microwave. Add the panko, parmesan and a pinch of salt; stir to combine. Scatter over the pasta and bake until the crumbs are browned and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes.
CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This baked mac and cheese - perfect for a large crowd or as a side dish - is super simple to make. The cream cheese gives it richness and a little tang.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 50m
Yield Serves 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Set an oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the pasta water. Set aside.
- Heat the half-and-half and cayenne in a large saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until the half-and-half is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the saucepan and stir to combine. (It will look very loose, but the pasta will suck up a lot of the sauce as it bakes.) Season to taste with salt if needed. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs with the butter and a sprinkle of salt in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
BAKED HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This recipe was given to me by my friend Katie. It's a longtime favorite in her family.
Provided by Jody
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the macaroni, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in Cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted. Add the macaroni and stir to coat. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix the 1/4 remaining cup melted butter and crushed crackers together in a bowl; scatter the cracker mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture.
- Bake in preheated oven until golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 810.1 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Cholesterol 133.1 mg, Fat 49.9 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 32.4 g, SaturatedFat 28.9 g, Sodium 1011.5 mg, Sugar 9.8 g
SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE
A very quick and easy fix to a tasty side-dish. Fancy, designer mac and cheese often costs forty or fifty dollars to prepare when you have so many exotic and expensive cheeses, but they aren't always the best tasting. This recipe is cheap and tasty.
Provided by g0dluvsugly
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Fold macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.2 calories, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 99.6 mg, Fat 33.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.9 g, Sodium 777 mg, Sugar 7.6 g
MOM'S BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Quick and easy -- macaroni, cheese soup, milk and Colby cheese!
Provided by Courtnay
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- Place macaroni in a 2 quart casserole dish. Stir in cheese soup and milk until well combined. Sprinkle with shredded Colby.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is brown and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 673.9 calories, Carbohydrate 65.5 g, Cholesterol 86.6 mg, Fat 30.9 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 32.3 g, SaturatedFat 18.7 g, Sodium 849.1 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. -Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain., In a Dutch oven, heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., In a microwave, melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30-35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 689 calories, Fat 37g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 834mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
EASY CROCK POT MACARONI AND CHEESE
From Company's Coming Slow Cooker Recipes. I love to make this when my kids have skating lessons. I can throw it into the crockpot after school and when lessons are over, dinner is waiting. If you are lucky enough to have two crock pots, you can have a glazed ham going in the other one and your dinner is ready to go!
Provided by Pamela
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 2h10m
Yield 4 cups, 3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Spray crockpot with non-stick spray for easy cleaning.
- In a saucepan, combine first 5 ingredients.
- Pour in milk and stir with a whisk until no lumps remain.
- Heat and continue stirring until mixture boils and is thickened.
- Add cheese and then macaroni.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Pour into 3 1/2 quart (3. 5L) slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-2 1/2 hours or on high for 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 685.7, Fat 28.9, SaturatedFat 17.7, Cholesterol 93.5, Sodium 1250.6, Carbohydrate 73.2, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 2.5, Protein 32.4
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Nothing's as comforting as tender pasta topped with creamy cheese!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- While pasta is cooking, in 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, seasoned salt, mustard, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Using wire whisk, stir in cheese until melted.
- Gently stir pasta into cheese sauce. Spoon into 4 ungreased 8-oz ramekins/gratin dishes or 10-oz custard cups. Place filled cups in shallow baking pan (or cookie sheet with sides).
- Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 630, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 850 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 1 g
THE EASIEST BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE
There may be lots of recipes out there for macaroni and cheese, but this is the first one I ever found that you don't have to cook the macaroni before you bake it. It is also really simple to put together - all in the casserole dish you are baking it in! I got this from a newsletter of an organization. I take this to potlucks all the time and I always come home with none of it left. It's a dish I'm constantly handing out the recipe for; be sure not to use cheese that has been frozen and thawed because it will ruin the consistency of the dish. You can also cut down on the butter if you would like to lose some of the fat. This is not a real creamy cheesy type of macaroni and cheese, which can sometimes be a little too rich for our tastes. I've made those, but my family prefers this kind over any other.
Provided by CookingONTheSide
Categories Cheese
Time 1h10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt butter in microwave.
- Pour macaroni in 2-3 quart casserole dish. Pour butter over macaroni. Stir well to coat.
- Add salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Add cheese. Sometimes I may use a mixture of monterey, colby and cheddar, depending on what I have at the time. Mix well.
- Add milk. Do not stir.
- Bake uncovered in oven for 60 minutes. I do think this tastes best when it is still hot from the oven.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 704, Fat 37.3, SaturatedFat 23.1, Cholesterol 116.4, Sodium 1131.8, Carbohydrate 61.2, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 2, Protein 30.7
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- For the macaroni: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the salt and macaroni. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
- For the cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 1-quart saucepan. Using a wire whisk, stir in the flour and salt, stirring and cooking over medium heat until the roux bubbles and the flour turns pale brown, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the milk and then whisk in the remaining 1 cup milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the cheese and stir until it melts. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly.
- For the topping: In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the butter until the crumbs are moistened.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish and top with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until the dish bubbles around the edges, about 15 minutes.
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
A friend of mine sent this recipe to me when I got my first apartment, because she knows how much I hate cooking! It's really easy -- even I can make it -- and tastes great. I'm not sure where she found the recipe, but it included the note 'Good source of protein, vitamin A, B group vitamins, calcium.'
Provided by Meredith
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Yield 3
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a large pot of salted water, lightly boil the macaroni for about 5 minutes until half-cooked.
- Whisk the egg and milk together in a large cup. Add butter and cheese to the egg and milk. Stir well.
- Place the lightly cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese liquid over the macaroni, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir well. Press the mixture evenly around the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 968.1 calories, Carbohydrate 92.6 g, Cholesterol 194.2 mg, Fat 45.4 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 45.6 g, SaturatedFat 27.6 g, Sodium 736 mg, Sugar 11.2 g
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is a real rich and cheesy macaroni recipe, even if you use the lower fat options. Easy to bake in the oven and easier if you use the crock pot. Make sure you spray the crock pot well
Provided by mandabears
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 50m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook elbow macaroni as directed on package, drain well.
- Place macaroni in large bowl or the pot used for cooking it.
- Add melted butter, and evaporated milk.
- Mix in eggs, add cheese and mix well.
- Pour into 13 x 9 pan, greased, I spray mine with butter flavored cooking spray.
- Bake 30-40 minutes or until top is brown and bubbly.
- Another option: double the recipe, spray crockpot with butter flavored cooking spray and cook for 6-8 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 513.2, Fat 36.7, SaturatedFat 22.5, Cholesterol 177.4, Sodium 519.5, Carbohydrate 22.9, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 0.8, Protein 23.1
A SIMPLE BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Make and share this A Simple Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Athena Ann
Categories Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt water (after it comes to a boil) add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- While pasta is cooking begin to make your roux. Over low heat begin to melt butter. Once butter is melted add flour. Whisk constantly to avoid burning. If rue burns throw it out and start again. You want your rue to be almost a copper brown color. It should take a little over 5 minutes.
- Once you get your rue to the color you want add the milk while continuing to whisk constantly. Salt and pepper your sauce to your liking. When the mixture begins to boil you will notice your sauce will start to thicken. Once it is at the thickness you desire remove from heat immediately and add cheese, reserving about a 1/4 of a cup of cheddar.
- Drain macaroni and return to cooking pot. Combine cheese sauce with your macaroni. Pour macaroni and cheese into a 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs and remaining cheese over top and bake for 35 minutes until a nice crust forms on the top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1046.4, Fat 43.1, SaturatedFat 25.6, Cholesterol 122.5, Sodium 994, Carbohydrate 115, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 13.8, Protein 47.7
CLASSIC BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: unsalted butter, all purpose flour, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, whole milk, heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, panko breadcrumbs
Provided by Next Level Chef on Fox
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and pepper and whisk until smooth and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly, until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 4-5 minutes. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a 9-inch square pan.
- Make the bread crumb topping: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, and paprika with a fork until combined. Add the panko bread crumbs and stir until evenly coated in the butter mixture.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake the mac and cheese for 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is browned (if the top isn't browning, broil on high for 2-3 minutes).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 679 calories, Carbohydrate 70 grams, Fat 36 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 22 grams, Sugar 6 grams
MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR TWO
This is one of those dishes that our family calls "a Mama recipe." My mother rarely consulted a cookbook, so when asked for a recipe, she could only estimate. I've worked out the ingredients to make it for two, but it can easily be doubled. It's simply a good, wholesome dish most folks seem to enjoy. -Betty Allen, East Point, Georgia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 40m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, combine macaroni, cheese, milk, egg and salt; mix well. Pour into a greased 1-qt. shallow baking dish; dot with butter. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 447 calories, Fat 27g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 190mg cholesterol, Sodium 1050mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 21g protein.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Freshly grated cheese, high-quality pasta, and flavorful seasonings make all the difference in the final dish.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will make for a mushy mac and cheese.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. A roux will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin or watery.
- Use a variety of cheeses: Different cheeses will give your mac and cheese different flavors and textures. Some popular cheeses to use include cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Gouda.
- Season the cheese sauce: Don't just rely on the cheese to flavor the sauce. Add some salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to taste.
- Bake the mac and cheese until it is golden brown: This will give the dish a crispy crust and help to keep it from becoming dry.
Conclusion:
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. There are many different ways to make mac and cheese, but the basic steps are always the same: cook the macaroni, make a cheese sauce, and bake the dish until it is golden brown. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious baked macaroni and cheese that will be the star of any potluck or family meal.
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