Best 11 Easy Cheesy Baked Macaroni Recipes

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Craving a comforting and cheesy dish that's perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy family meal? Look no further than the classic "easy cheesy baked macaroni"! This beloved pasta dish, made with macaroni noodles, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy golden crust, is sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, we've got you covered with our comprehensive guide to creating the perfect "easy cheesy baked macaroni". In this article, we'll take you through the step-by-step process, sharing tips and tricks for achieving a rich and flavorful cheese sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and that irresistible golden-brown crust. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones with this ultimate comfort food.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MOM'S BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Mom's Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

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

1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1 cup milk
1 pound shredded Colby cheese

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 MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

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

1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
1 egg
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

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



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Unsalted butter, for the dish
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni with ridges
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups milk
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

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.

EASY, CHEESY BAKED MACARONI



Easy, Cheesy Baked Macaroni image

A family favorite--in fact my teenage daughter's girlfriend always finagles a visit when I plan to make this for dinner. Goes great with a salad and homemade bread! Enjoy!

Provided by Sue Prickett

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Side Dishes

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 pound seashell pasta
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) package processed cheese food, shredded

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions, shortening recommended cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes as macaroni will continue to bake later in oven. Drain.
  • Mix cooked macaroni and tomato sauce in large glass ovenproof dish. Stir in 3/4 of the shredded cheese. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 of the cheese on top.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 495.8 calories, Carbohydrate 74.4 g, Cholesterol 29.1 mg, Fat 13.3 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 22.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 883.4 mg, Sugar 6.4 g

CRISPY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Crispy Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the dish
Kosher salt
8 ounces mini penne pasta
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 bay leaf
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups grated monterey jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 1/2 cups grated gruyere cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 3 ounces)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

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



Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

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

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 1/2 cups half and half
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound cream cheese, room temperature
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)
3 ounces gruyere cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 cup panko bread crumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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



Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese image

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

2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
1 pound shredded Cheddar cheese
¼ cup butter, melted
1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed

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

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

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

1 1/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, i use whole wheat
12 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, i use 2%
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk, i use either fat free or low fat
2 eggs, well beaten,i use egg beaters
3/8 cup butter or 3/8 cup margarine, melted,no substitutions for this

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

CHEESY MAC & CHEESE



Cheesy Mac & Cheese image

Everyone comes home for dinner when I make this homemade macaroni and cheese. It also receives great compliments at potlucks. -Debra Sult, Chandler, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/4 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
8 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the flour, cream, half-and-half, sour cream, egg, mustard, cayenne, salt, pepper and nutmeg until smooth., Drain pasta. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Stir in cubed cheeses. Top with cream mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheese., Bake, uncovered, at 350° until bubbly and golden brown, 30-40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 563 calories, Fat 43g fat (28g saturated fat), Cholesterol 172mg cholesterol, Sodium 648mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

THE EASIEST BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE



The Easiest Baked Macaroni & Cheese image

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

2 1/2-3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 cups milk

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

CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

This recipe, inspired by Stouffer's macaroni and cheese, delivers the best of all worlds: creamy, saucy comfort, with a consistency that's slightly more set than a stovetop version, thanks to a final bake in the oven. It stays voluptuous and molten as a result of a higher ratio of sauce to noodles, which are cooked completely so they don't soak up as much liquid. The Velveeta is necessary here, as it has sodium citrate, which prevents the sauce from separating in the oven. Elbow macaroni works fine, but cavatappi is an especially fun shape to eat with its telephone-cord bounciness.

Provided by Eric Kim

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Salt
1 pound cavatappi or elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups whole milk
1 pound sharp or extra-sharp yellow Cheddar, coarsely grated (5 1/4 cups)
8 ounces Velveeta, torn into pieces
4 ounces Pecorino Romano, coarsely grated (1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of ground cayenne
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until just past al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Return the empty pot to the stove (no need to clean it) and set over medium heat. Melt the butter and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the butter stops spurting and quiets down, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, whisking, until smooth like gravy, about 1 minute.
  • Whisk in the milk. Raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, then immediately reduce the heat to low and continue simmering until the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon, 2 to 5 minutes. At this stage, the sauce should be smooth but relatively loose. Take the pot off the heat.
  • To the pot, add the Cheddar, Velveeta, Pecorino Romano, mustard powder, onion powder and cayenne, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Whisk until the cheese is melted and smooth like nacho cheese. Add the drained pasta, breaking up any clumps, and stir until evenly coated in the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or dish and bake until bubbling at the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese, real butter, and quality pasta will make a big difference.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Use a good quality baking dish. A glass or ceramic dish will work well.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is a classic, but you can also try using other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or Gouda.
  • Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy topping.
  • Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it to set and make it easier to serve.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the best macaroni and cheese possible. By following the tips in this article, you can create a delicious macaroni and cheese that your family and friends will love.

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