Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese – This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a family dinner. Or a hearty side dish. With a creamy cheese sauce. And a crispy top. This dish will be a hit. At any gathering.
The first time I made this Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon. My husband and our child. Had spent the morning raking leaves. And I wanted to surprise them. With a warm, comforting meal. The moment they walked in. And smelled the cheesy goodness baking in the oven. Their eyes lit up. We gathered around the table. And the silence that followed. Was the best compliment. They were too busy. Enjoying every bite. To say a word.
What makes this Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese truly stands out?
This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese stand out. With its rich, creamy cheese sauce. Made from Colby Jack. And smoked cheddar. Combined with a perfectly seasoned pasta base. The addition of eggs. Creates a custard-like texture. That elevates this dish. Beyond your typical mac and cheese. It’s simple to prepare. Yet tastes like it took hours.
What You Need To Make This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?
Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice for mac and cheese. Its hollow shape holds onto the cheesy sauce perfectly.
Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base for the cheese sauce. Making it indulgent. And flavorful.
All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the cheese sauce. Giving it a velvety texture.
Half and half: This combination of milk and cream. Add extra creaminess to the sauce.
Colby Jack cheese: A blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It melts beautifully. And has a mild, creamy flavor.
Smoked cheddar cheese: Adds a smoky depth. And a gourmet touch. To the mac and cheese.
Whole milk: Adds richness. And helps to balance the flavors.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together. And give the dish a custard-like texture.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning. And bringing out the flavors of the dish.
Steps To Make Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter an 8×10 casserole dish. And set aside.
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Step 2: Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously seasoned water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just under al dente. About 7 minutes. Drain. And set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter. Whisk in the flour. And cook until it turns golden. Slowly whisk in the warmed half and half. Stirring until smooth. Add 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy.
Step 4: Combine: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Tossing to coat. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
Step 5: Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the milk, 2 cups of Colby Jack cheese, and 1/4 cup of smoked cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the beaten eggs. Mix well.
Step 6: Assemble: Pour the egg mixture over the macaroni in the casserole dish. Use a spatula to gently mix. Ensuring the egg mixture is evenly distributed. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top.
Step 7: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Checking at the 25-minute mark. Until the top is golden. And bubbly. Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Tip:
For an extra creamy and flavorful mac and cheese. Make sure to season your pasta water generously with salt. It should taste like the sea. Which helps to infuse the pasta with flavor. Right from the start. When making the cheese sauce. Don’t rush the process. Take your time to whisk the flour. Into the melted butter. Until it turns a light golden color. Which adds a nutty flavor. To the sauce. Gradually whisk in the half and half. To ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce. Finally, taste the cheese mixture. Before adding the eggs. To ensure it’s seasoned to your liking. This attention to detail at each step. Will make your mac and cheese truly stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Like sharp cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish as instructed. Then cover and refrigerate it. Until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour. With a gluten-free flour blend. And use gluten-free pasta.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 c elbow macaroni uncooked
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 c half and half warmed
- 3 1/2 c Colby Jack cheese shredded & divided
- 1/2 c smoked cheddar cheese shredded & divided
- 1 1/2 c whole milk
- 2 eggs slightly beaten
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. And butter an 8x10 casserole dish.
- Boil the macaroni in generously seasoned water. Until just under al dente. About 7 minutes. Drain. And set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. And cook until golden.
- Slowly whisk in the warmed half and half, stirring until smooth. Add 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese, stirring until creamy.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, tossing to coat. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the milk, 2 cups of Colby Jack cheese, and 1/4 cup of smoked cheddar cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the beaten eggs.
- Pour the egg mixture over the macaroni. Use a spatula to distribute evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking at the 25-minute mark. Until golden and bubbly. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
