Best 3 Easy Cheesy Baked Macaroni Recipes

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Indulge in the cheesy goodness of our baked macaroni recipes, a comforting and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. From the classic macaroni and cheese to creative variations like buffalo chicken macaroni and bacon ranch macaroni, our collection offers a delightful range of flavors to satisfy every palate. Whether you prefer a simple, traditional recipe or something more adventurous, we have you covered. With easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step guides, you'll be whipping up this classic dish like a pro in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese image

This baked mac and cheese is a family favorite recipe, loved by children and adults.

Provided by The Chunky Chef

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb. dried elbow pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 1/2 cups half and half
4 cups shredded medium sharp cheddar cheese (divided (measured after shredding))
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (divided (measured after shredding))
1/2 Tbsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 3 qt baking dish (9x13"). Set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When boiling, add dried pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package directs for al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil to keep from sticking.
  • While water is coming up to a boil, shred cheeses and toss together to mix, then divide into three piles. Approximately 3 cups for the sauce, 1 1/2 cups for the inner layer, and 1 1/2 cups for the topping.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over MED heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine. Mixture will look like very wet sand. Cook for approximately 1 minute, whisking often. Slowly pour in about 2 cups or so of the milk/half and half, while whisking constantly, until smooth. Slowly pour in the remaining milk/half and half, while whisking constantly, until combined and smooth.
  • Continue to heat over MED heat, whisking very often, until thickened to a very thick consistency. It should almost be the consistency of a semi thinned out condensed soup.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in spices and 1 1/2 cups of the cheeses, stirring to melt and combine. Stir in another 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and stir until completely melted and smooth.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with cheese sauce, stirring to combine fully. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheeses, then top that with the remaining pasta mixture.
  • Sprinkle the top with the last 1 1/2 cups of cheese and bake for 15 minutes, until cheesy is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 665 kcal, Carbohydrate 43 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 41 g, SaturatedFat 25 g, Cholesterol 126 mg, Sodium 700 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

THE EASIEST BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE



The Easiest Baked Macaroni & Cheese image

There may be lots of recipes out there for macaroni and cheese, but this is the first one I ever found that you don't have to cook the macaroni before you bake it. It is also really simple to put together - all in the casserole dish you are baking it in! I got this from a newsletter of an organization. I take this to potlucks all the time and I always come home with none of it left. It's a dish I'm constantly handing out the recipe for; be sure not to use cheese that has been frozen and thawed because it will ruin the consistency of the dish. You can also cut down on the butter if you would like to lose some of the fat. This is not a real creamy cheesy type of macaroni and cheese, which can sometimes be a little too rich for our tastes. I've made those, but my family prefers this kind over any other.

Provided by CookingONTheSide

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/2-3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 cups milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Melt butter in microwave.
  • Pour macaroni in 2-3 quart casserole dish. Pour butter over macaroni. Stir well to coat.
  • Add salt and pepper. Stir well.
  • Add cheese. Sometimes I may use a mixture of monterey, colby and cheddar, depending on what I have at the time. Mix well.
  • Add milk. Do not stir.
  • Bake uncovered in oven for 60 minutes. I do think this tastes best when it is still hot from the oven.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 704, Fat 37.3, SaturatedFat 23.1, Cholesterol 116.4, Sodium 1131.8, Carbohydrate 61.2, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 2, Protein 30.7

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

A friend of mine sent this recipe to me when I got my first apartment, because she knows how much I hate cooking! It's really easy -- even I can make it -- and tastes great. I'm not sure where she found the recipe, but it included the note 'Good source of protein, vitamin A, B group vitamins, calcium.'

Provided by Meredith

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 6

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

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  • In a large pot of salted water, lightly boil the macaroni for about 5 minutes until half-cooked.
  • Whisk the egg and milk together in a large cup. Add butter and cheese to the egg and milk. Stir well.
  • Place the lightly cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese liquid over the macaroni, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir well. Press the mixture evenly around the baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 968.1 calories, Carbohydrate 92.6 g, Cholesterol 194.2 mg, Fat 45.4 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 45.6 g, SaturatedFat 27.6 g, Sodium 736 mg, Sugar 11.2 g

Tips:

  • For a creamy and flavorful sauce, use a combination of butter, flour, and milk.
  • Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package directions, but drain them a minute or two before they are fully cooked to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the macaroni and cheese sauce until it is melted and smooth.
  • Top the macaroni and cheese with a layer of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese before baking in the oven for a crispy topping.
  • Serve the macaroni and cheese hot and bubbly, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.

Conclusion:

This easy cheesy baked macaroni recipe is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender macaroni noodles, and crispy topping, it is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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