One Step Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Discover the ultimate comfort food made effortlessly with this One Step Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent gatherings, this dish requires no stovetop prep—just combine uncooked elbow macaroni, rich cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, plus seasonings, directly in a single baking dish. A quick 10-minute prep is all it takes before it bakes to creamy perfection under a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping. With its velvety texture, bold cheese flavors, and crunchy crust, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Ideal as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side, this one-dish wonder is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 3 cups Milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 4 tablespoons Cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, milk, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika directly into the baking dish. Stir everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and prevent the noodles from drying out during baking.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
While the macaroni bakes, in a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil or melted butter. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the dish and stir the macaroni and cheese mixture. It should be partially cooked and starting to thicken.
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese to create a golden, crispy topping.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and ensures each scoop is perfectly creamy.
Serve warm and enjoy your One Step Baked Macaroni and Cheese with your favorite side dishes or on its own for a cozy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
717 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.4 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.4 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 139 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 931 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44.3 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 24.3 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 546 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 286 mg | 6% | |
*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.
