This Baked Mac and Cheese is not your childhood mac and cheese. It’s rich, decadent, and made with a velvety cheese sauce.
Is there anything more comforting than a dish of creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese? This classic dish can be tailored to your taste buds by adding your favorite ingredients.
Whether you like yours with bacon, lobster, or veggies, we’ve got the perfect base recipe for you. So gather up your family and friends and get ready for some serious comfort food!
If you’re like me, you grew up eating boxed mac and cheese. And while that’s still a favorite of mine, I wanted to create a recipe that gives it a homemade feel.
Now that the weather is changing here in North Idaho, I’m really craving all the comfort foods. This baked mac and cheese is simple to make, and the perfect comfort food for chilly nights. (Be sure to try our Frito Chili Pie too!)
Hope you enjoy it as much as we do! 🙂
baked mac and cheese recipe
Here are some commonly asked questions
MAKING MAC AND CHEESE AHEAD OF TIME
- Follow the recipe instructions up until the time of baking.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate until ready to make.
- When ready, bake the mac and cheese until heated through.
STORING MAC AND CHEESE
Mac and cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Be sure to place it in an airtight container before chilling. When you’re ready to enjoy your mac and cheese again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips for the BEST Mac & Cheese!
- Use high-quality ingredients – This is key to making a great dish. Make sure to use sharp cheddar cheese and good-quality pasta.
- Cook the pasta properly – This will ensure that the pasta is cooked perfectly and captures all of the cheesy goodness.
- I recommend grating your cheese fresh off the block instead of using the stuff in the bag. That cheese has a coating on it that keeps it from sticking together. That coating will also keep the cheese from melting as we want it to for this recipe.
Why Does My Baked Mac and Cheese Come Out Dry?
There are a few reasons why your baked mac and cheese might be coming out dry.
First, make sure you’re using the right amount of cheese – too little and the dish will be dry, while too much can make it greasy.
Second, be sure to cook your pasta al dente – if it’s overcooked, it will absorb too much of the sauce and become dry.
Finally, make sure you’re using enough milk – a lack of moisture will result in a dry dish.
These simple adjustments should result in a creamy, delicious dish.
homemade mac and cheese
Ingredients for baked mac and cheese
- elbow macaroni – cooked according to the package directions
- butter – unsalted
- ground white pepper
- salt
- heavy cream
- eggs
- sharp cheddar cheese – grated
- American cheese – grated
Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, mac and cheese is always a great option. But what if you have leftovers? Can you freeze mac and cheese?
The answer is yes, you can freeze mac and cheese. However, it’s important to note that the texture of the dish will change after being frozen and thawed. The pasta will become softer and the sauce may separate. For this reason, it’s best to eat frozen mac and cheese within 2 months.
When reheating frozen mac and cheese, be sure to add a little extra milk or cream to help recombine the sauce. You can also add a little shredded cheese on top before reheating to help give the dish some extra flavor.
What to serve with Baked Mac and Cheese
baked mac and cheese homemade
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese?
If you’re looking for a shortcut when making baked mac and cheese, you might be tempted to use pre-shredded cheese. However, this can actually affect the taste and texture of your dish.
Pre-shredded cheeses often don’t taste as great as fresh cheese, and they also don’t melt as well. This can result in a less-than-ideal finished product.
For the best results, take the extra time to shred your own cheese for this recipe. It will make a big difference in the final dish!
How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Preheat the oven. Prepare an oven-safe skillet.
- In a large bowl or the pot used to cook the macaroni, mix together the pasta and the butter, allowing the butter to melt completely.
- Then add the salt and pepper, tossing to coat.
- In a medium bowl or a measuring cup, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs. Pour the mixture into the macaroni and stir to combine.
- Reserve one cup of cheddar cheese and American cheese to use for the topping. Add the remaining cheese to the macaroni and stir until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the macaroni to the prepared skillet. Top with the reserved cheese.
- Bake. Allow it to rest prior to serving.
Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead and bake it when I’m ready?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for the next day. Then prepare as directed in the recipe.
Be sure to place leftovers in an airtight container before chilling. When you’re ready to enjoy your mac and cheese again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
recipe baked mac and cheese
Check out these Great Cast Iron Recipes
- Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
- Crusty Artisan Bread
- Garlic Butter Filet Mignon
- Italian Parmesan Bread
- Garlic Butter Naan
- Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
- Marinated Flank Steak
- Skillet Cornbread
- Skillet Sliders
Do I have to bake my macaroni and cheese?
Not necessarily. This recipe uses the baking process to melt all the cheese we are mixing in. If you would like to make a macaroni and cheese recipe that doesn’t require baking, I recommend you try our super easy mac and cheese recipe that is ready in about 20 minutes and is made on the stovetop.
Why You Should Make This Recipe?
- It’s simple yet delicious.
- You can make it with a variety of ingredients and add your own special touches to make it even more delicious.
- It’s a great way to satisfy a mac and cheese craving.
- You can make this recipe using any cheese you like, so it’s versatile as well as delicious.
More Great Mac and Cheese Recipes
Do I Have To Cover The Mac And Cheese With Foil Before Baking?
If you want your mac and cheese to have a crispy top, then you should not cover it with foil while it bakes. Allowing the cheese to be exposed to the heat will help it brown and create a delicious crust.
However, if you’re more interested in creamy mac and cheese, then covering it with foil during baking will help prevent the top from getting too brown or dry.
How can I dress up my macaroni and cheese?
- Add some diced ham or bacon to the mix for a little extra savory flavor.
- Stir in a few spoonfuls of your favorite BBQ sauce for a fun and unique twist.
- Mix in some sautéed veggies like mushrooms, onions, or peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Top your mac and cheese with bread crumbs before baking for a crispy topping.
- Sprinkle on some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Products I love when making homemade mac and cheese…
This skillet pasta recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made homemade pasta before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this mac and cheese recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)
If you love this easy skillet-baked mac and cheese recipe, you’re going to love these other pasta recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
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Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni 1- 16 ounce box – cooked according to the package directions
- ½ cup butter 1 stick – unsalted
- 2 teaspoons ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese grated (1- 16 ounce block)
- 16 ounces American cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°. Prepare a 12-inch, oven-safe skillet with nonstick cooking spray or oil it generously.
- In a large bowl or the pot used to cook the macaroni, mix together the pasta and the butter, allowing the butter to melt completely.
- Then add the salt and pepper, tossing to coat.
- In a medium bowl or a measuring cup, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs. Pour the mixture into the macaroni and stir to combine.
- Reserve one cup of cheddar cheese and American cheese to use for the topping. Add the remaining cheese to the macaroni and stir until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the macaroni to the prepared skillet. Top with the reserved cheese.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes prior to serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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