Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Name: Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 (12 ounce) package macaroni; 2 cups milk; 1 egg; 2.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; salt and pepper to taste

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings:

1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
2 cups milk
1 large egg
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
Boil the macaroni in a large pot of salted water until it is barely done, about 5 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and melted butter.
Place the par-boiled macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Pour the milk mixture over the macaroni, then season with salt and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the baking dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 472
Total Fat: 22g (28% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 14g (68% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 66mg (22% Daily Value)
Sodium: 356mg (15% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 46g (17% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
Protein: 22g (44% Daily Value)
Calcium: 448mg (34% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium: 294mg (6% Daily Value)

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

History and Origin

Macaroni and cheese, often referred to as "mac and cheese," is a classic dish with roots in both European and American culinary traditions. Its origins date back to the 18th century in Europe, where pasta and cheese were commonly combined in simple, rustic recipes. The dish gained widespread popularity in the United States, particularly in the southern states, where it became a beloved comfort food. Its simplicity and versatility made it a staple of both everyday meals and festive occasions. The modern baked version, popularized by the addition of a crispy top, became a standard in American kitchens by the 19th century.

Regional Variations

While baked macaroni and cheese is universally adored, it has several regional variations in the United States. In the South, for example, it is common to incorporate eggs into the cheese sauce, creating a custard-like consistency that holds the dish together. Some variations also include breadcrumbs or even crushed potato chips on top, adding a crunchy texture to contrast with the creamy interior. In other parts of the U.S., it is often made with a combination of sharp cheddar and other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or mozzarella, giving the dish a unique flavor profile depending on the region.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Baked macaroni and cheese differs from its stovetop counterpart in several key ways. While stovetop versions are creamy and soft, the baked version typically has a firmer, golden-brown crust on top due to the time spent in the oven. This distinction gives the dish a rich texture contrast between the gooey, melty cheese beneath and the crispy, often buttery topping. In contrast to dishes like macaroni salad or macaroni with cheese sauce, baked macaroni and cheese is more substantial, with the egg and milk mixture helping to bind the pasta and cheese together, resulting in a cohesive casserole-like dish.

Where It's Served

Baked macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish, served in a variety of settings, from casual family dinners to holiday feasts. It is especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas, often alongside turkey or ham. In addition, it is a common feature at potlucks, where it is sure to please a crowd. Many restaurants in the United States, particularly those focusing on Southern comfort food or soul food, offer their own versions of baked mac and cheese as a side dish. Some upscale eateries even elevate the dish by adding truffle oil, lobster, or other gourmet ingredients.

Fun Facts

The earliest known recipe for macaroni and cheese dates back to 1769, in a cookbook titled "The Art of Cookery" by Elizabeth Raffald.
Thomas Jefferson is often credited with popularizing macaroni and cheese in the United States after he encountered it in France and brought the recipe back to America in the late 18th century.
In the 20th century, the dish gained widespread popularity thanks to its inclusion in boxed versions, with Kraft introducing its famous "Kraft Mac & Cheese" in 1937, revolutionizing the way many Americans enjoyed the dish.
The dish is considered a comfort food due to its rich, cheesy flavor and its ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth for many people, often reminding them of family gatherings and childhood meals.

FAQ about Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold.

Store leftover Baked Macaroni and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Yes, Baked Macaroni and Cheese can be frozen. After baking and cooling, transfer the dish to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.

Clumping can occur if the cheese mixture isn't melted evenly. For smoother results, try melting the cheese with the milk and butter over low heat before adding it to the macaroni. Additionally, avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as the coating can affect the melt.

To achieve a crispy top, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs (either plain or seasoned) over the casserole before baking. For extra crunch, you can broil the dish for the last 3-5 minutes of baking. Just watch it closely to prevent burning.

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses in this recipe. Popular substitutions include mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a combination of different cheeses. Keep in mind that some cheeses might melt differently, so be mindful of texture.

While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

To prevent dryness, make sure to add enough cheese and liquid (milk or cream) to the dish. You can also cover the baking dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to help retain moisture, then uncover it to allow the top to brown.

Yes! You can add cooked meat like shredded chicken, bacon, ground beef, or even sausage to the macaroni and cheese for added flavor. Simply mix the meat in with the macaroni before adding the cheese mixture.

If your macaroni and cheese turns out too watery, it could be due to excess liquid in the milk mixture or overcooked pasta. To fix this, you can drain some of the excess liquid, add a little more cheese to thicken the sauce, and continue baking. You can also reduce the milk next time.

Comments

Steven Jones

05/15/2023 03:41:32 AM

This macaroni dish is a delightful throwback to old-school cooking, maintaining its shape perfectly when served – just what I was hoping for. I made a few adjustments: I mixed in 1/4 tsp. of creole seasoning and around 1/8 tsp. of cayenne pepper with the salt and pepper in the milk mixture. I added a bit more colby-jack cheese than the recipe called for, saving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking. After 30 minutes in the oven, I finished by topping the macaroni with buttered Italian-style bread crumbs (roughly a cup of crumbs mixed with 2 Tbsp. of melted butter) and baking for an additional 10 minutes. The result was a macaroni dish with a bit of a kick, yet still classic and incredibly comforting. Absolutely delicious!

Tyler Collins

04/27/2023 04:47:20 AM

I thoroughly enjoyed this recipe, although I made a few small adjustments. Firstly, I opted for 4 tablespoons of butter and 3.5 cups of cheese. Secondly, I melted the cheese into the milk and egg mixture over medium heat while the macaroni was cooking. Thirdly, I sprinkled a layer of Italian bread crumbs on top of the dish and let it bake covered for 15 minutes. For the final 15 minutes, I uncovered the dish, stirred in the bread crumbs, and then served it.

Charles Davis

09/28/2022 11:39:40 AM

Review Rewritten: This recipe brings me back to the mac and cheese my mom used to make when I was a kid. I've stuck to this method ever since. Sometimes, I like to mix it up by adding shredded chicken or diced ham. As for the cheese, I usually stick to cheddar but occasionally throw in some cream cheese, mozzarella, gouda or whatever cheese I have in the fridge. For a kick, I sometimes add hot peppers. One thing I always do is sprinkle jarred Parmesan on top for those crispy edges. Despite all the variations, I absolutely adore this recipe. It's simple to make and the creamy texture reminds me of my mom’s cooking. Instead of milk, I use cream in mine. I grease an 8x11 baking dish, layer half the noodles, sprinkle half the cheese, then repeat the layers before pouring over the cream and egg mixture and topping it all with Parmesan. No issues with the consistency – it always turns out perfectly!

Matthew Lewis

09/16/2022 02:47:29 PM

I made some adjustments to this recipe and the result was fantastic! I reduced the amount of milk to 1 1/2 cups following suggestions from other reviews, and omitted the egg since I didn't find it necessary. The original cheese didn't quite hit the mark for me and my husband, so I switched to a mix of Vermont Cheddar, Gouda, and Monterey Jack, which added a delicious flavor. I melted the cheese with the milk, butter, and egg, and the consistency was perfect - not too runny at all. Baking it with the casserole dish covered for most of the time kept everything moist, and uncovering it towards the end gave it a nice finish. After a bit of experimentation, I found the ultimate combination that we love: heating 1 1/4 cups of milk, adding a mixture of three different cheeses, and baking it all together to creamy perfection. The end result was rich, flavorful, and oh so satisfying. Highly recommend this revamped version!

David Martin

10/08/2024 05:52:22 AM

This dish was so delicious that my husband and I found ourselves going back for seconds three times! I took a cue from other reviews and followed the suggestion to layer the cheese between the noodles and seasonings, then pour over the milk, egg, and butter mixture before baking for 35 minutes. I finished it off by sprinkling breadcrumbs on top for the final 5 minutes. Yum!

Eric Walker

03/26/2024 09:29:28 PM

The taste was exceptional, thanks to the addition of Cajun seasoning instead of just salt and pepper. I forgot to stir it halfway through baking, but I will definitely be making this dish again - my family absolutely enjoyed it.

Angela Edwards

09/05/2022 01:55:17 PM

Macaroni is commonly sold in a 16 oz box in my area. I have yet to come across a 12 oz box of macaroni. According to Google, most pasta in the U.S. is packaged in a 1 lb container (16 ounces).

Jeffrey Mitchell

09/18/2024 12:40:32 PM

I spruced it up with dried mustard, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder for an extra kick. The dish was delicious, but my family prefers a spicier flavor. I'll definitely increase the heat next time! Still, I appreciate the simplicity of the base recipe. It's a great foundation to tailor to your family's preferences.

Alexander Evans

07/14/2023 03:11:18 PM

This dish brought back nostalgic memories of the mac and cheese casserole from my childhood. It's a straightforward recipe that delivers a burst of delicious flavors. For an extra touch, top it off with some cheddar cheese and broil it until it's perfectly melted!

Air Fryer Dilly-Roasted Japanese Eggplant and Squash Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

History and Origin

Regional Variations

Differences from Similar Dishes

Where It's Served

Fun Facts

FAQ about Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe