Best 11 Tasty Baked Mac N Cheese Recipes

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Welcome to the delectable world of baked macaroni and cheese! This classic comfort food, enjoyed by generations, is the epitome of cheesy, gooey goodness. Whether you prefer a crispy golden-brown crust or a tender, creamy center, we'll guide you through the culinary journey to create the ultimate baked mac n cheese. From selecting the perfect pasta and cheese to mastering the art of the roux and incorporating secret ingredients for an explosion of flavor, we've gathered expert tips and tricks to ensure your baked macaroni and cheese becomes a dish that earns rave reviews. So, prepare to indulge in a symphony of cheesy flavors as we embark on this culinary adventure together.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

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.

TASTY BAKED MAC N CHEESE



Tasty Baked Mac n Cheese image

I love this recipe because it's taken me so long to actually get a good tasting noodle and not just a good tasting piece of cheese on top. This recipe was just trial and error and it's really really good in my opinion. I'm really looking for feedback on this recipe. Thanks so much! This is really good even days after for leftovers. The cheese remelts and the flavor really sets in. Enjoy!

Provided by Eva Maria

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup butter, softened - divided
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 cup milk
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mild Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until almost cooked through and firm to the bite, about 7 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Sprinkle macaroni with 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir 1/2 cup butter into the pasta.
  • Mix 1/4 cup butter, sour cream, cream cheese, sharp Cheddar cheese, and egg yolk together in a bowl. Stir flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cayenne pepper, and milk into the sour cream mixture.
  • Spread 1/4 cup sour cream sauce over bottom of prepared baking dish. Stir remaining sour cream sauce into macaroni. Pour macaroni into baking dish atop sauce layer; sprinkle mild Cheddar cheese over the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and cheese topping has melted, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 455.4 calories, Carbohydrate 31.3 g, Cholesterol 98.2 mg, Fat 29.7 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 18.4 g, Sodium 532.4 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

DELICIOUS AND EASY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Delicious and Easy Macaroni and Cheese image

The only mac and cheese recipe you'll ever need- no funny ingredients, minimal effort and grand on taste!

Provided by atlantamom

Categories     Cheese

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup half-and-half
1 pinch cayenne
salt and pepper
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted, for the casserole

Steps:

  • Boil the macaroni for 4 minutes or until half-cooked (salt the water!)
  • In a medium saucepan heat the half-and-half with cayenne, salt and pepper. Add macaroni and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and cook on medium heat until the cheese melts. Pour into a buttered casserole and top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 15 minutes until the cheese melts.

LAZY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lazy Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

A very easy, no-boil recipe for cafeteria-style macaroni and cheese, which bakes up deliciously custardy on the inside and crusty on the outside. Mix the ingredients, pour it in the baking dish, pop it in the oven, and forget about it until the timer rings!

Provided by YI-FUN HSUEH

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound uncooked macaroni
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 pound shredded American cheese
2 (12 fluid ounce) cans evaporated milk
2 cups water
4 eggs
2 teaspoons mustard powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a shallow three-quart baking dish, toss uncooked macaroni and melted butter together, to coat the macaroni and the inside of the dish. Add cheese, and stir lightly to distribute. In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, water, eggs, mustard powder, salt, white pepper and cayenne pepper. Pour into the baking dish with the macaroni.
  • Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the center is set. Remove from the oven, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 419.7 calories, Carbohydrate 36.4 g, Cholesterol 120.9 mg, Fat 21.2 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 12.2 g, Sodium 861.9 mg, Sugar 7.2 g

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Baked Mac and Cheese image

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

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4-1/2 cups 2% milk
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

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.

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

NEW ORLEANS BAKED MAC 'N' CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



New Orleans Baked Mac 'N' Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

This mac 'n' cheese recipe may be a little different from what you are used to eating. In New Orleans, we make our mac 'n' cheese with spaghetti. Yes, you read that right. We also call it baked spaghetti. Regardless of what you call it, this is a great comforting dish.

Provided by Matt Ciampa

Categories     Sides

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for boiling
1 lb dried spathetti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne
1 qt half & half
½ cup heavy cream
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until incorporated and smooth. Cook until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne and whisk to combine.
  • Gradually add the half-and-half, whisking for 30-60 seconds between each addition until starting to thicken before adding more. Whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and no lumps remain. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pot.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and whisk in 2 cups (200 g) cheddar, 1 cup (100 g) pepper Jack, and 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella until the cheese is melted. Remove the pot from the heat.
  • Add the spaghetti to a 9 x 13-inch (13 x 22 cm) baking dish and pour the cheese sauce on top. Stir well to coat the noodles with the sauce.
  • In a medium bowl, toss together the remaining 2 cups (200 g) cheddar, 1 cup (100 g) pepper Jack, and 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1022 calories, Carbohydrate 55 grams, Fat 71 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 40 grams, Sugar 7 grams

BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: Murray's® Mild Yellow Cheddar Cheese, Murray's® Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, large eggs, evaporated milk, kosher salt, sugar, freshly ground black pepper, dried elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, Murray's® Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Provided by Kroger

Categories     Dinner

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 oz Murray's® Mild Yellow Cheddar Cheese
8 oz Murray's® Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
2 large eggs
1 can evaporated milk
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 package dried elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the baking dish
4 cups Murray's® Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Cut the Murray's® Mild Yellow Cheddar Cheese and Sharp White Cheddar Cheese into ½" cubes.
  • Add the eggs, evaporated milk, salt, sugar, and pepper to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook for 5-8 minutes. Turn the heat off and let the macaroni sit in the hot water for 3 minutes, until tender. Drain the macaroni and return to the pot.
  • Turn the heat to low and add the butter and Murray's® Shredded Cheddar Cheese. Stir until the butter and cheese are completely melted.
  • Pour the macaroni into a 9"x13" baking dish greased with butter and spread evenly. Add the egg and milk mixture and the cubed cheese, and carefully fold into the macaroni until well combined.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top of the macaroni is golden brown.
  • Enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



How To Make The Best Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Nothing says comfort like a homemade baked mac and cheese. Our favorite version is made with a luscious and creamy sauce that pools in the pasta shells for the ultimate cheesy feel-good food.

Provided by Aleya Zenieris

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling
8 oz dried pasta shells
10 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
4 oz american cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ stick unsalted butter
1 teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 large egg
2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz parmesan cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than recommended on the package (you want the pasta to have a slight bite; it will finish cooking while it bakes).
  • In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces shredded cheddar with the American cheese and cornstarch. Use your fingers to gently toss until all of the cheese is coated.
  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the butter begins to sizzle, add the mustard powder and cayenne and stir to combine. Toast the spices until the butter turns golden brown, about 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the milk begins to simmer, with small bubbles rapidly rising to the surface, about 3 minutes.
  • Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then temper it by slowly adding in spoonfuls of the simmering milk mixture while continuing to whisk until incorporated.
  • Slowly drizzle the tempered egg back into the milk mixture, whisking vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheddar cheese mixture, a small handful at a time, whisking between each addition to make sure the cheese melts evenly (mix quickly enough that the mixture does not cool too rapidly, but slowly enough that the emulsion does not break).
  • Add the cooked pasta to the pot and gently fold to coat with the sauce, then season with 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the pasta and sauce into an 8-inch square baking dish with 2-inch-high sides (at this point, the pasta can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days).
  • In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top of the pasta.
  • Bake the mac and cheese until the cheese is melted and beginning to bubble around the edges, about 20 minutes. Turn the broiler on high and broil the mac and cheese until the cheese begins to brown all over, about 5 minutes. Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes for the sauce set and cool slightly.
  • Serve warm.
  • Enjoy!

CLASSIC BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

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

½ stick unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions until al dente and drained, not cooled
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

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

BAKED MAC & CHEESE



Baked Mac & Cheese image

"I have added other ingredients like turkey, broccoli and cauliflower, to make this a full meal. The possibilities are endless!" Denise Hash, Billings, MT

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 cups uncooked spiral pasta
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Dash ground nutmeg
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cubed process cheese (Velveeta)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk; stir in the salt, pepper, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and nutmeg. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted., Drain pasta; stir in cheese sauce. Transfer to an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 428 calories, Fat 20g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 602mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Cheese: Use a good quality cheese that melts well. A combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creates a rich and flavorful macaroni and cheese.
  • Cook the Macaroni Perfectly: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook it so that it retains a slight bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
  • Make a Creamy Sauce: Use a combination of butter, milk, and flour to create a creamy and flavorful sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder or other herbs and spices to taste.
  • Add Mix-Ins: Feel free to add mix-ins such as cooked bacon, diced ham, chopped vegetables, or even a dollop of your favorite hot sauce to customize your macaroni and cheese.
  • Top with a Crispy Crust: To achieve a golden brown and crispy crust, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the macaroni and cheese before baking.

Conclusion:

Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make a delicious and flavorful baked macaroni and cheese at home. Experiment with different types of cheese, mix-ins, and toppings to create your own unique version of this timeless dish.

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