Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
Updated on November 22, 2024 by Rodney • This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. • 1 Comment • Jump to Recipe
This Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is super easy to make. A handful of simple ingredients and about 40 minutes of your time for this yummy dish!
I have never met anyone that doesn’t like Mac & Cheese. Sure some of my Mac and Cheese recipes are a little more involved and “out there” but this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is super easy to make. No fancy ingredients for this Mac & Cheese recipe.
I love the flavor of extra sharp cheddar cheese but you can substitute for any other cheese if sharp cheddar is not your thing. Just use whatever you have on hand to avoid a trip to your local grocery store.
What is Al Dente
When making Mac and Cheese, it’s important to cook the pasta al dente to ensure to best texture possible. If you are not familiar with the term “al dente”, it means cooking the pasta so it’s still chewy and form and that it will hold its shape when the sauce is added to it.
If this Mac and Dish recipe is just too plain for you, make sure you check out my huge collection of Gourmet Mac & Cheese recipes. I am sure you will find one that fits the bill. My personal favorite is my Whiskey Mac & Cheese. Delicious!
I often get asked why add ground mustard to cheese sauce. Basically the ground mustard makes the cheese “cheesier”.
Equipment Needed
Using the right equipment can make a big difference. Here are my favorite tools for this recipe. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases to keep these recipes free.
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Baked Mac & Cheese recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Salt, Macaroni, Whole Milk, Heavy Cream, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Ground Black Pepper, Ground Dry Mustard, Ground Nutmeg and Worcestershire Sauce.
How to Make Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Preheat oven to 400°F, Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk and cream. Be careful not to let it come to a boil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the warm milk. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking frequently until thickened and smooth. Lower the heat to keep the milk from boiling.
- Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, whisking until fully incorporated and smooth. Add the pepper, dry mustard, nutmeg, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 2 1/2 cups of cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Printable Recipe Card
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
- 32 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Ground Dry Mustard
- ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F, Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk and cream. Be careful not to let it come to a boil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the warm milk. Cook for 2 minutes, whisking frequently until thickened and smooth. Lower the heat to keep the milk from boiling.
- Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, whisking until fully incorporated and smooth. Add the pepper, dry mustard, nutmeg, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 2 1/2 cups of cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Equipment Needed
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Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
I love Mac and Cheese. Decided to try this easy recipe and it was delicious. My family enjoyed it. Will be a regular in my house.