This easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect comfort food! Tender elbow macaroni in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce is baked until golden brown. This side dish goes with any meal!

Macaroni is one of my favorite pasta shapes! Try my Macaroni Salad for another easy and delicious macaroni side dish, and my Homemade Hamburger Helper (which has macaroni pasta) is ready in less than 30 minutes!

Baked Macaroni and Cheese in a casserole dish with a wooden spoon.

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    Baked Macaroni and Cheese

    This Macaroni and Cheese is comfort food at its finest. It is rich, creamy, and very cheesy. This macaroni and cheese recipe starts off with a delicious cheese sauce made of equal parts flour and butter mixed with milk and lots of seasonings. Then I stir in extra sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese sauce gets tossed with the tender noodles and baked until golden brown and crispy on top!

    This Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe only takes 45 minutes to make from start to finish. Here’s what you’ll need:

    Ingredients

    • Elbow Macaroni: I cook the pasta until al dente. Any longer and the noodles will become mushy after baking. I love using elbow macaroni however cavatappi pasta would also be great too!
    • Butter: I use 1 whole stick of butter in this homemade macaroni and cheese. It makes it rich, buttery, and creamy!
    • Flour: Is used to thicken up the sauce. If you are gluten-free you can substitute cornstarch for the flour. It works great!
    • Milk: I use 2% because that is what I typically have on hand. However whole milk could also be used.
    • Extra sharp cheddar cheese: I love using extra sharp cheddar in baked macaroni and cheese, however, gruyere, gouda, Monterey Jack, or Colby jack would also be amazing in this. I sometimes like to do half gruyere half sharp cheddar cheese!
    • Seasonings: This macaroni and cheese recipe is loaded with flavor thanks to the mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper!

    How to make Macaroni and Cheese

    • Boil pasta: In salted water until al-dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    adding elbow noodles to pot of boiling water
    • Make the cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt butter in a large pot. Add in flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk. Add in all of the seasonings. Cook on medium heat whisking continuously until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to keep the milk moving to avoid burning. Take off the heat and stir in 4 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with more salt to taste if desired.
    whisking cheese sauce in medium saucepan
    • Bake: Pour into the prepared pan and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
    adding cheese sauce to elbow macaroni in a casserole dish
    • Place in the oven uncovered and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
    removing baked macaroni and cheese from the oven
    • Serve: Immediately and enjoy!
    spooning out a portion of macaroni and cheese
    • Store: Leftover baked macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    • Reheat: On the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
    Creamy Macaroni and Cheese in a pot on the stove with a wooden spoon.

    variations

    • For some added spice add some pickled or fresh jalapeños to the baked macaroni and cheese.
    • Crumbled bacon would be amazing in this!
    • I’ve made this recipe with leftover diced ham and broccoli and it is delicious.
    • For a crispy topping try adding toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed ritz crackers on top!

    Can this be made in the slow cooker?

    I have made this recipe before for potlucks and parties and made it as directed above but skipped the final step of baking. I transfer it to the slow cooker and keep it on the warm setting. It holds up great for hours and does not get dried out.

    What to serve with this Baked Macaroni and Cheese

    Tips for Success

    • Leave the macaroni and cheese uncovered when baking to ensure that the top becomes golden and slightly crispy.
    • Try different cheeses! I love the sharpness of extra mature cheddar cheese in this baked macaroni and cheese, however, gruyere, gouda, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and mozzarella all work really well in this recipe.
    • Serve as a main dish with a side of vegetables and healthy protein like grilled chicken to make it a meal!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Should you cover your mac and cheese when baking? 

    I like to leave my baked macaroni and cheese uncovered so that the top gets a little crispy. It is my favorit

    How do I bake mac and cheese not dry?

    Keep baked macaroni and cheese moist by adding plenty of milk and not too much flour. The ratios I use in this recipe are perfect for a moist and cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe!

    How do you know when baked mac and cheese is done?

    The baked mac and cheese casserole is done when the cheesy sauce is bubbling and the top is golden and slightly crispy.

    Baked Macaroni and Cheese in a casserole dish with a wooden spoon.

    Here are more delicious Side Dish Recipes to enjoy!

    Baked Macaroni and Cheese

    4.38 from 8 votes
    Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Tender elbow macaroni in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce baked until golden brown. The perfect side dish to go with any meal!
    Servings: 8 -10
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes

    Ingredients 

    Instructions 

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan with nonstick cooking spray.
      Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    • Meanwhile melt butter in a large pot. Add in flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes.
      Slowly whisk in milk. Add in all of the seasonings. Cook on medium heat whisking continuously until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to keep the milk moving to avoid burning.
    • Take off the heat and stir in 4 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with more salt to taste if desired.
    • Add the cheese sauce to the macaroni and stir to coat. Pour into the prepared pan and top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. Place in the oven uncovered and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
    • Serve immediately and enjoy!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 704kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 30gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 715mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1321IUCalcium: 662mgIron: 2mg

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