Absolutely the Easiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Craving comfort food made simple? "Absolutely the Easiest Baked Macaroni and Cheese" is a foolproof recipe that delivers rich, creamy, and cheesy perfection with minimal effort. Ideal for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side, this dish pairs tender elbow macaroni with a smooth homemade cheddar cheese sauce, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Customize the crisp topping with optional breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan for added texture and flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes with pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and cheddar, this baked mac and cheese is as easy as it is indulgent. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni (elbow pasta)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour the milk into the saucepan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
If desired, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2644 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 129.5 g | 166% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.3 g | 401% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 396 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 4046 mg | 176% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 246.8 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.0 g | ||
| Protein | 132.8 g | 266% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.0 mcg | 30% | |
| Calcium | 2968 mg | 228% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1190 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
