Oven baked mac and cheese was a staple in many childhoods across America. Now you can make a dish for yourself, a lover, or an upcoming potluck. Here’s a delicious and simple oven-baked mac and cheese recipe that serves about 6-8 people:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided into 3 cups and 1 cup)
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar sized casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to make a roux. Continue to whisk for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly but not browned.
- Add milk and half-and-half: Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add seasoning and cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ground mustard, paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Assemble: Pour the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Serve: Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
This classic is a cozy warm dish for fall and winter, or a fun party dish to bring to the party in spring and summer. Give this a try and let us know how it goes or any enhancements you added. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese!
Featured image via Carla Kroell on Pexels
