The aroma of homemade Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese fills the kitchen, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. This dish is not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, bringing comfort and joy to everyone who digs in. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at a festive gathering, this Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe makes the whole process easy and accessible. With just a few ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can create a cheesy delight that everyone will adore. The secret to this dish lies in the combination of sharp cheddar cheese and creamy brick-style cream cheese, which transforms simple pasta into a rich, velvety experience. The crispy Panko topping provides the perfect crunch, making each bite delightful. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s get started on this cheesy masterpiece!
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to an irresistible baked macaroni and cheese lies in the combination of sharp cheddar and creamy brick-style cream cheese. This blend not only creates a rich and luxurious cheese sauce but also ensures that the pasta is enveloped in cheesy goodness. As you mix the cream cheese in, it adds a silky texture that smooths out the flavors beautifully. The final touch of golden, crispy Panko breadcrumbs adds an enjoyable texture that perfectly contrasts the gooey filling. The slight crunch from the topping enhances the experience, making every forkful a delightful combination of creamy and crunchy.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a plate. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you still want something delicious. The simplicity of the recipe means you can have dinner on the table in no time, while still packing in flavor that everyone will love. With this dish, comfort food is elevated to new heights, creating a nostalgic experience with each mouthful. Sharing this meal connects friends and family, making it ideal for gatherings where everyone comes together to enjoy something truly special.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) dry elbow pasta or pasta shells
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, divided
- 3 Tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
- 3 and 1/2 cups (about 14 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon each: salt, ground mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
- 3 ounces (85g) full-fat brick cream cheese
- 1 cup (90g) Panko breadcrumbs
- Optional for serving: finely chopped fresh parsley
Cooking Instructions
Preheat the Oven
To get started, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). This ensures the perfect baking temperature for your macaroni and cheese. A hot oven will help create a bubbly, golden top, making it even more inviting.
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Toss in the dry elbow pasta, cooking it until al dente, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. Once cooked, drain the pasta, and transfer it to a large bowl. Stir in 2 Tablespoons of butter while it’s still warm, allowing it to melt and coat the pasta. Setting this aside will keep the pasta flavorful and help it absorb the upcoming cheesy goodness.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan or a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a thick paste. Cooking this paste for about 1 minute helps eliminate that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture begins to simmer. When you see bubbles, that’s your cue to add in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep whisking until everything becomes smooth and creamy. Next, mix in the salt, ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and if you like a kick, a dash of hot sauce. Cooking this for another 2-3 minutes will thicken the sauce even more, making it irresistibly rich.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Now, pour the creamy cheese sauce over your buttered pasta. Don’t forget to add the brick-style cream cheese! Stir everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated and the cream cheese has melted into the sauce. Once it’s all mixed up nicely, you can transfer the creamy pasta mixture into the same skillet or into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for some extra yumminess.
Add Panko Topping
For that amazing crunch, melt the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter and mix it with the Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this buttery goodness evenly over the pasta mixture, ensuring every bite has that delightful texture you’re looking for!
Bake the Dish
Carefully insert your dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. You’re looking for a lightly browned top and bubbly edges, which indicate that it’s ready to come out. For best results, covering the pasta with foil halfway through the baking ensures it doesn’t over-brown while still cooking through nicely.
Cool and Serve
Once the time is up, allow the baked macaroni and cheese to sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time lets everything settle, making it easier to serve. For a touch of freshness, you can garnish with finely chopped parsley. Just a sprinkle adds a nice pop of color!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this delicious dish with steamed broccoli or a simple side salad for a complete meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
- For the carb lovers out there, serve it alongside garlic bread for a truly comforting experience that’s hard to resist.
Tips for Success
To elevate your dish, consider these helpful hints:
– Use freshly shredded cheese whenever possible. It melts better and provides more flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
– Keep an eye on your pasta while cooking. It should remain firm since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Variations
Get creative by experimenting with different cheeses! Mozzarella or gouda can introduce unique flavors. If you’re craving something heartier, toss in shredded chicken or cooked bacon to amp up the dish even more.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store any extra baked macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven or microwave until warm, bringing it back to that tempting cheesiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works beautifully. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times.
2. Is it possible to make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
For sure! You can prepare it up to the baking stage and keep it in the refrigerator for later, making meal prep super convenient.
3. Can I freeze baked macaroni and cheese?
Yes, baked macaroni and cheese freezes well. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
4. What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs are a fine substitute, but Panko is suggested for that extra crunch.
5. How can I add more flavor to the cheese sauce?
Consider adding sautéed onions, jalapeños, or other spices based on your preference for extra depth.
This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese serves as a delightful reminder of childhood comfort. Its creamy texture paired with a crunchy topping makes it a dish everyone will cherish. With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Your kitchen will soon fill with irresistible cheesy aromas, beckoning loved ones to come and enjoy a hearty meal together.
Print
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the embodiment of comfort food, blending sharp cheddar and creamy cream cheese in a simple preparation for quick, hearty meals.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) dry elbow pasta or pasta shells
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, divided
- 3 Tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (720ml) whole milk
- 3 and 1/2 cups (about 14 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon each: salt, ground mustard, smoked paprika, and garlic powder
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
- 3 ounces (85g) full-fat brick cream cheese
- 1 cup (90g) Panko breadcrumbs
- Optional for serving: finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and toss with 2 Tablespoons of butter.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter and whisk in flour, cook for 1 minute, then gradually add milk and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until smooth, then add seasonings and hot sauce if desired.
- Combine cheese sauce with pasta and add cream cheese, mixing until coated.
- Melt remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter and mix with Panko breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over pasta mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes until top is lightly browned and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving, optionally garnish with parsley.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
Monitor pasta cooking time to keep it firm for baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 21
- Cholesterol: 70
