Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 31 October 2024

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When life calls for comfort food, few dishes compare to the creamy, cheesy bliss of baked macaroni and cheese. It’s the dish that reminds you of home, wraps you in warmth, and never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, a side dish, or a treat for family gatherings, this easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a true classic. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and golden, bubbly crust, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds).

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of cheesy indulgence with subtle seasonings that elevate the flavors. Best of all, it’s straightforward to make and guaranteed to please any crowd. So, let’s dive into the steps for creating this timeless dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate baked mac and cheese, this recipe has you covered. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and Swiss creates a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: With hints of Cajun seasoning, nutmeg, and mustard powder, this dish has a subtle depth that keeps you coming back for more.
Golden and Bubbly: Baking the mac and cheese creates a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Simple to Make: Even with its rich flavors, this recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for special occasions.
Customizable: Add breadcrumbs, bacon, or vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Here’s everything you’ll need for this comforting classic:

Ingredient	Quantity
Large egg	1
Evaporated milk	1 (13 oz.) can
Dry mustard powder	½ teaspoon
Elbow macaroni	8 oz
Fresh black pepper	To taste
Cajun seasoning	1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	⅛ teaspoon
Salt	1 ½ teaspoons
Salted butter	2 tablespoons
Medium cheddar cheese, shredded	8 oz
Cream cheese, softened	8 oz
Swiss cheese, shredded	8 oz
Whole milk	1 ½ cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pasta

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, according to the package instructions.
Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the evaporated milk, whole milk, and softened cream cheese.
Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture becomes smooth.

3. Add Seasonings and Cheeses

Add the Cajun seasoning, dry mustard powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, stirring to incorporate.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is velvety and creamy.

4. Temper the Egg

In a small bowl, whisk the egg.
To prevent the egg from scrambling, slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot cheese sauce to the egg while whisking continuously. This step tempers the egg.
Once tempered, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and stir thoroughly.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni and the cheese sauce.
Stir until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

6. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into it. Spread it out evenly for consistent baking.

7. Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbly when done.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort of this classic dish!

Tips for the Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Choose the Right Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but cavatappi or shells also work well. These shapes hold the sauce beautifully.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better.
Season Gradually: Taste the cheese sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
For a Crispy Topping: Add a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for extra crunch.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe combines the creamy, cheesy comfort you love with just the right amount of seasoning to keep things interesting. The roasted, golden top adds a layer of texture that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re making this for a holiday dinner, a potluck, or a casual family meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Serving Suggestions

Macaroni and cheese is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas:

With Barbecue: Serve alongside smoked ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken for a classic combo.
As a Holiday Side: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter meals.
With Greens: Balance the richness with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad.
On Its Own: Enjoy it as a main dish for a cozy, satisfying dinner.

FAQs About Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.

2. Can I freeze baked macaroni and cheese?
Absolutely. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

3. What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
You can substitute other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or cavatappi.

4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your seasonings and cheeses are gluten-free.

5. Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Yes! Mix in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables for added flavor and texture.

6. How do I prevent my macaroni and cheese from drying out?
Be sure not to overbake it and add a little extra milk to the cheese sauce if needed to keep it creamy.

Why You Should Try This Recipe Today

This easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe isn’t just a dish—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and perfect balance of flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a solo treat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Call to Action

Ready to bring some cheesy comfort to your table? Gather your ingredients and whip up this easy baked macaroni and cheese today. It’s a dish that’s sure to delight, satisfy, and leave everyone asking for seconds. Share it with loved ones or keep it all to yourself—you can’t go wrong!