There is something truly magical about a hot bowl of Macaroni And Cheese. It is the ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside out.
We all have fond memories of this classic dish. Maybe it was a staple at your childhood dinner table. Or perhaps it is your go to meal after a long day.
This particular recipe is a game changer for home cooks. You do not need a culinary degree to make it. It skips the complicated roux and white sauce steps.
Instead, it relies on a simple custard style base using eggs and milk. This makes it a Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Easy enough for anyone to master quickly.
The result is a dish that is creamy on the inside and perfectly baked on top. It captures everything you love about pasta and cheese in one pan.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will fall in love with how fast this comes together. Most baked pasta dishes take hours of prep and cooking. This one respects your time.
It is perfect for those busy weeknights when you are tired. You can have a homemade meal on the table without the stress. It tastes like you spent all day cooking.
Another reason to love this is the ingredient list. You likely have everything you need in your kitchen right now. There are no strange or hard to find items here.
It is also incredibly budget friendly. Pasta and cheese are affordable staples that feed a crowd. You can stretch your grocery dollar further with this filling meal.
The texture is absolutely delightful. You get soft and tender Macaroni And Cheese Pasta in every bite. The cheese melts into a gooey blanket that coats everything.
This dish is also very kid friendly. Children love the simple flavors and cheesy goodness. It is a great way to get the whole family to sit down together.
Finally, it is a versatile foundation. You can keep it simple or dress it up. It serves as a wonderful side dish or a hearty main course.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Mac And Cheese Casserole lies in its simplicity. Here is what you need to gather before you start.
- 2 ounces unsalted butter
- Kosher salt to taste
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- Paprika for garnish
Using unsalted butter gives you total control over the saltiness. This is important because cheese already contains a fair amount of salt.
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for a reason. Its shape holds onto the cheese mixture perfectly. However, you can use other small pasta shapes if you prefer.
For the cheese, cheddar is king here. It melts beautifully and provides that signature orange glow. Sharp cheddar adds a nice depth of flavor.
The eggs act as a binder in this recipe. They help thicken the milk into a custard as it bakes. This creates a rich texture without needing flour.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen
Start by getting your oven ready. Position a rack right in the center. This ensures even heat distribution for your Macaroni And Cheese.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. While it warms up, you can prep your baking dish. Grease an 8 inch square pan generously with butter.
You can also use a 2 quart casserole dish. Greasing the pan is a crucial step. It prevents the pasta from sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.
Step 2: Boil The Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
Add the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Cook it according to the package directions. You want the pasta to be tender but not falling apart.
Keep an eye on it so it does not overcook. Once it is done, drain the water well. You do not want excess water making your dish soggy.
Step 3: Add Butter And Cheese
Return the hot pasta immediately to the pot you cooked it in. The residual heat is your friend here. Add the 2 ounces of butter right away.
Stir the pasta and butter together. Watch as the butter melts and coats every noodle. It should look glossy and smell amazing.
Now add 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it in vigorously. The heat from the pasta will start to melt the cheese strings.
Take a moment to taste the mixture. This is the best time to adjust seasoning. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper until it tastes right to you.
Step 4: Create The Custard
Grab a separate medium bowl. Crack the 2 large eggs into it. Pour in the 1/2 cup of milk. Whisk them together until fully combined.
You want the eggs to be completely broken down. This mixture will become the creamy sauce for your Mac And Cheese Casserole.
Pour the egg and milk mixture into the pot with the pasta. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly. Ensure the liquid is distributed evenly.
Step 5: Assemble And Bake
Spoon the pasta mixture into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out so it sits in an even layer. This helps it bake at the same rate.
Take the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and sprinkle it over the top. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
If you like a bit of color, sprinkle some paprika on top too. It adds a nice visual touch to the finished dish.
Place the pan in the oven. Bake it uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
When it is ready, the edges should be bubbly. Remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you are in luck. This Macaroni And Cheese reheats reasonably well. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature.
Do not leave it out for more than two hours. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you are ready to eat, you can use the microwave. Place a portion in a bowl and add a splash of milk. This helps bring back the creaminess.
Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. You can also reheat it in the oven. Cover it with foil and bake at 350 degrees F until warm.
Tips
For the smoothest melt, grate your own cheese. Pre packaged shredded cheese often contains anti caking agents. These can make your sauce grainy.
A simple box grater works wonders here. It only takes a few minutes and makes a huge difference in texture. The flavor is usually fresher too.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta during the boiling stage. Remember that it will cook again in the oven. Aim for al dente texture.
If the pasta is too soft before baking, it might turn mushy. A little bite in the noodle is perfect for this Macaroni And Cheese Pasta.
Feel free to mix up your cheese choices. Monterey Jack melts very well and adds creaminess. A bit of Gruyere adds a nutty flavor note.
Make sure your eggs are at room temperature if possible. This helps them mix more easily with the milk. It ensures a smoother custard base.
If you want a crunchy topping, you can add extras. Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with butter work well. Add them before baking.
Conclusion
This Macaroni And Cheese recipe proves that great food does not have to be hard. It is a testament to the power of simple ingredients.
With just a few steps, you can create a meal that feels special. It brings warmth and joy to the table instantly. Your family will thank you for it.
Whether it is a Tuesday night or a Sunday dinner, this dish fits. It is reliable, delicious, and always satisfying. You will want to make it often.
So grab your apron and give this Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Easy a try. It might just become your new favorite way to eat pasta. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes you can easily adapt this. Simply swap the regular elbow macaroni for a gluten free pasta variety. Rice or corn pasta works well.
Be mindful of the cooking time for gluten free noodles. They can become mushy faster than wheat pasta. Check them often while boiling.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Absolutely, this recipe scales up very well. If you have a larger family or guests, just double all the ingredients. You will need a larger baking dish.
A 9×13 inch pan should work for a double batch. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time. Watch for the bubbly edges.
What Can I Add For Protein?
This dish is a great canvas for add ins. Cooked bacon bits are a classic choice that adds smokiness. Diced ham is another popular option.
You could also stir in some cooked shredded chicken. Just ensure any meat you add is fully cooked before baking. It makes the meal even heartier.
Why Is My Mac And Cheese Dry?
Dryness usually comes from overbaking. Check the oven often near the end of the cooking time. Every oven is slightly different.
It could also be that you added too much pasta for the liquid amount. Measuring your ingredients carefully helps prevent this issue. Keep the ratio balanced.
Can I Use A Different Milk?
Whole milk works best for richness. However, you can use 2% milk if that is what you have. Skim milk might make the sauce less creamy.
For an extra decadent treat, you could use half and half. Just be aware it will increase the calorie count. Avoid non dairy milks with strong flavors.
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This no-fuss baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. It uses a simple custard-style base for a creamy, cheesy result without a complicated roux.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square pan with butter.
- Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until tender.
- Drain the macaroni well and return it to the hot pot. Immediately add the butter and stir until it’s fully melted and coats the pasta.
- Add 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pasta. Stir vigorously until the cheese begins to melt. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture into the pot with the pasta and cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For the smoothest melt, grate your own cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy texture.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta during the boiling stage. It will continue to cook in the oven, so aim for an al dente texture.
Feel free to mix up the cheese choices. Monterey Jack or Gruyere are great additions for extra creaminess and flavor.
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