Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipes for Quick Comfort Food

This article covers five easy baked mac and cheese recipes, each with a unique twist. The recipes include a simple 3-ingredient version, a quick 20-minute meal, a one-pot method for minimal cleanup, a bread crumb-topped dish for extra crunch, and a no-boil pasta option for effortless cooking. Each recipe provides clear instructions, ingredient lists, and helpful tips to ensure success. Whether you're short on time, want less cleanup, or prefer a crispy topping, there's a baked mac and cheese recipe here for every preference.

Simple 3-Ingredient Baked Mac and Cheese

This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy baked mac and cheese without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, shredded cheese, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tips for Success

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk before baking.
• Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a richer flavor.

Quick 20-Minute Baked Mac and Cheese for Busy Nights

This recipe is ideal for those nights when you need a fast, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens.
• Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and transfer to a baking dish.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time.
• Cook the macaroni while making the cheese sauce to save time.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.

Creamy One-Pot Baked Mac and Cheese with Minimal Cleanup

This one-pot recipe simplifies the process of making baked mac and cheese, reducing cleanup while delivering a creamy, delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large oven-safe pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens.
• Add the macaroni and enough water to cover the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is tender.
• Stir in the cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the cheese is fully melted.
• Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden.

Cleanup Tips

• Use a non-stick pot to make washing up easier.
• Soak the pot in warm, soapy water immediately after serving to prevent cheese from hardening.
• Line the pot with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs for Extra Crunch

Adding bread crumbs to your baked mac and cheese gives it a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens.
• Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and transfer to a baking dish.
• In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bread crumbs are golden and crispy.

Crunchy Topping Ideas

• Mix in grated Parmesan cheese with the bread crumbs for extra flavor.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the bread crumb mixture.
• Use panko bread crumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.

No-Boil Pasta Baked Mac and Cheese for Effortless Cooking

This no-boil pasta method simplifies the cooking process, making it easier and faster to prepare baked mac and cheese.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the uncooked macaroni, cheese, milk, broth, butter, flour, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the top is golden.

Tips for Perfect No-Boil Pasta

• Use a baking dish that retains heat well to ensure even cooking.
• Stir the mixture halfway through baking to prevent the pasta from sticking.
• Add a splash of extra liquid if the pasta seems dry before the final baking step.