Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

This article provides a comprehensive guide to making easy baked mac and cheese. It covers all ingredients needed including pasta, cheese, and optional add-ins. The guide details how to prepare a creamy cheese sauce using a roux, combining ingredients, and baking to perfection. Various cheese combinations, toppings, and baking variations are suggested. The article also includes serving suggestions, common mistakes to avoid, and make-ahead tips for the perfect baked mac and cheese dish.

Gather Simple Ingredients for Your Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

For the perfect easy baked mac and cheese you'll need these basic ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar is classic, but mix it up)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Options

Choose your favorite combination:

• Sharp Cheddar - bold flavor
• Mozzarella - creamy and stretchy
• Colby Jack - mild and buttery
• Monterey Jack - slightly tangy
• Parmesan - salty and nutty

Optional Add-ins

These ingredients can customize your baked mac and cheese:

• Bread crumbs for topping
• Cooked bacon bits
• Jalapeños for heat
• Sautéed onions
• Mustard powder for depth
• Paprika for color

Ingredient Measurements

Ingredient Substitutions

• Gluten-free pasta for regular pasta
• Plant-based milk for dairy milk
• Dairy-free cheese alternatives
• Olive oil or margarine for butter
• Cornstarch instead of flour for thickening

Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce for Your Mac and Cheese

Making the Roux

Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Adding Milk

Gradually pour in 1 1/2 cups milk while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until smooth and no lumps remain.

Cooking the Sauce

Cook for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Reduce heat if needed.

Melting the Cheese

Remove from heat. Add 2 cups shredded cheese gradually, stirring until each addition melts completely. Season with salt and pepper.

Sauce Consistency

Sauce should be smooth and pourable. If too thick, add a splash more milk. If too thin, simmer longer.

Cheese Sauce Measurements

Tips for Perfect Cheese Sauce

• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
• Don't boil sauce after adding cheese
• Whisk constantly when adding milk
• Add pinch of mustard powder for depth
• If grainy, blend with immersion blender

Combine and Bake Your Easy Mac and Cheese to Perfection

Cooking the Pasta

Cook 8 oz elbow pasta according to package directions. Undercook by 1-2 minutes since it will finish baking. Drain well.

Combining Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and cheese sauce. Stir until every piece is coated. Add optional add-ins now.

Adding Toppings

Transfer to baking dish. Add breadcrumbs, bacon bits, or extra cheese on top for texture and flavor.

Baking Instructions

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Baking Time Chart

Checking for Doneness

Mac and cheese is done when edges are bubbly and golden, and sauce is thickened. Insert knife - it should come out clean.

Resting Time

Let baked mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows sauce to set and flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with green salad for balance
• Add hot sauce or hot peppers for heat
• Top with fresh herbs like parsley
• Serve with protein like fried chicken
• Great side dish for BBQ or potluck

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking pasta before baking
• Skipping resting time
• Not preheating oven
• Using cold cheese for sauce
• Crowding baking dish

Easy Variations

• Add diced tomatoes or spinach
• Mix in cooked ground beef
• Use different pasta shapes
• Try different cheese combinations
• Make it spicy with cayenne

Tips for Variations and Serving Suggestions

Cheese Combinations

• Sharp cheddar + Monterey Jack for bold flavor
• Gouda + Parmesan for smoky richness
• Colby Jack + pepper jack for mild heat
• Fontina + mozzarella for creamy texture
• Goat cheese + feta for tangy twist

Add-in Ideas

• Bacon bits or crumbled sausage
• Diced jalapeños or green chilies
• Sautéed mushrooms or onions
• Pulled pork or BBQ chicken
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli

Topping Options

• Panko breadcrumbs for crunch
• Extra shredded cheese
• Fried onions (like French's)
• Panko mixed with melted butter
• Crushed potato chips

Baking Variations

Perfect Pairings

• Green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus
• Coleslaw for crunch
• Baked beans for BBQ theme
• Roasted chicken or beef

Make-Ahead Tips

• Assemble 24 hours ahead, refrigerate
• Add extra 5-10 min baking time
• Freeze unbaked up to 1 month
• Thaw overnight before baking
• Add extra milk if frozen

Serving Temperature

• Serve hot from oven for best texture
• Reheat leftovers at 350°F
• Add splash of milk when reheating
• Room temperature okay for parties