Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Few dishes evoke the same level of comfort and satisfaction as a well-made baked macaroni and cheese. This timeless classic combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty main dish or a crowd-pleasing side, this homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is sure to become a family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

While there are countless variations of mac and cheese available today, this traditional baked version strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The minimal ingredients list doesn’t require any specialty items, making it an accessible dish for cooks of all experience levels. The straightforward preparation ensures consistent results, while the baking process creates that irresistible combination of creamy interior and slightly crispy top that defines the perfect macaroni and cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked macaroni and cheese recipe stands out for several compelling reasons:

• Simplicity: With just six basic ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
• Customizability: The base recipe provides an excellent foundation that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
• Texture: The baking process creates a delightful contrast between the creamy interior and slightly crispy surface.
• Comfort Factor: Few dishes can match the satisfying, nostalgic comfort of homemade mac and cheese.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to diners of all ages, making it perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

One of the beauties of this recipe is its short, simple ingredient list. You’ll need:

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

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

While this recipe is delicious as written, there’s plenty of room for customization:

Pasta Options: Traditional elbow macaroni works perfectly, but feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne. The key is choosing a shape with nooks and crannies that will hold the cheese sauce.

Cheese Variations: Sharp cheddar provides excellent flavor, but you can create endless variations by mixing different cheeses. Consider combinations like:

• Cheddar and Gruyère for depth and sophistication
• Monterey Jack for meltability with mild flavor
• Pepper Jack for a spicy kick
• Parmesan for a nutty accent (best mixed with other meltable cheeses)

Milk Options: Whole milk provides the best richness, but you can use 2% if preferred. For extra indulgence, replace part of the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this recipe:

• 2-quart baking dish
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Follow these simple steps to create your homemade baked macaroni and cheese:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook until barely done, about 5 minutes. You want the pasta to be slightly underdone (al dente) since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined. This creates the base for your creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and melted butter, mixing well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Add the drained, partially cooked macaroni to your prepared baking dish. Pour the milk and cheese mixture over the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently until all the macaroni is evenly coated with the cheese mixture. Use a spatula to press the mixture evenly into the baking dish, ensuring an even surface for baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake until the top is beautifully browned and the edges are bubbling slightly, approximately 30 to 40 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at the 30-minute mark.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This brief resting period helps the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Serve hot as a satisfying main dish or as a complementary side.

Recipe Variations and Enhancements

While this classic recipe is delicious on its own, consider these variations to customize it to your taste:

Add a Crunchy Topping

For a delightful textural contrast, consider adding a crispy topping before baking. Mix any of these options with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking:

• Crushed Ritz crackers or butter crackers
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Regular breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of grated Parmesan
• Crushed potato chips

Mix-In Ideas

Transform your basic mac and cheese into a more substantial dish by adding mix-ins before baking:

• Proteins: Diced ham, crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or tuna
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli florets, peas, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions
• Heat: Diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper

Flavor Boosters

Enhance the flavor profile with these simple additions:

• A teaspoon of mustard powder adds depth without tasting like mustard
• A dash of garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
• A pinch of nutmeg complements the cheese beautifully
• Fresh herbs like thyme or chopped parsley

Serving Suggestions

Macaroni and cheese is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

As a Main Dish

Serve with a simple green salad and perhaps some garlic bread for a complete meal. A tangy vinaigrette on the salad provides a nice contrast to the rich pasta.

As a Side Dish

Mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled or roasted meats, especially BBQ
• Fried chicken
• Meatloaf
• Vegetable-forward main dishes

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the advantages of this recipe is that it stores and reheats well:

Refrigeration

Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The texture may become slightly firmer as it cools, but this won’t affect the flavor.

Freezing

This mac and cheese can be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Methods

Oven (Best Method): For the best results when reheating, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to re-crisp the top.

Microwave: For quick reheating of individual portions, microwave on medium power with a splash of milk to help maintain creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used, this classic baked macaroni and cheese is a rich dish that provides:

• A good source of calcium from the cheese and milk
• Protein from the cheese, milk, and egg
• Carbohydrates from the pasta

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is my macaroni and cheese dry?

A: Dry mac and cheese usually results from overbaking or using too little liquid. Make sure you’re not cooking the pasta fully before baking, as it will continue to absorb liquid in the oven. You can also try adding an extra 1/4 cup of milk to the recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Why add an egg to macaroni and cheese?

A: The egg helps create a custard-like sauce that becomes rich and creamy when baked. It also helps bind the ingredients together for a more cohesive dish.

Q: What’s the best cheese to use?

A: Sharp cheddar provides excellent flavor, but many cooks prefer a blend of cheeses. Good melting cheeses include cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, and Gruyère. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Simply substitute the regular macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be careful not to overcook gluten-free pasta, as it can become mushy more quickly than traditional pasta.

Tips for Success

Follow these professional tips to ensure your baked macaroni and cheese turns out perfectly every time:

• Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
• Don’t overcook the pasta initially. It should be slightly underdone when it goes into the oven.
• Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing for the smoothest sauce.
• Season adequately with salt and pepper. Cheese dishes often need more seasoning than you might expect.
• For extra flavor depth, try using half sharp cheddar and half another complementary cheese.

With this detailed guide, you’re well-equipped to create a delicious baked macaroni and cheese that will satisfy cravings and impress diners. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this comfort food staple is sure to become a regular in your cooking repertoire.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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