Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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I’m pretty convinced that there is nothing better than baked macaroni and cheese.  And this easy baked mac and cheese recipe is at the top of my list.

Food and drink: Baked Macaroni and Cheese - the best way to make mac and cheese. Simple main dish recipe!

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

I don’t remember having macaroni and cheese from a box too often in my childhood.  But I loved it.  When I married Josh I quickly found out he was not a fan.  He had hot dogs added to his growing up and couldn’t get past that.  About ten years ago I found a recipe for baked macaroni and cheese.  He was sold.  Enter the easiest baked macaroni and cheese.  And if you’re looking for slow cooker macaroni and cheese, you have to try my recipe for that! 

How to Make Mac and Cheese

Ok. So it takes a little more effort than the out of the box kind. But not much. And it tastes way better.

There are several ways that you can make macaroni and cheese but the best kinds involve butter and some good cheese.  The type of cheese you use is up to you.  I like a four cheese blend because it gives it variety.  But sharp cheddar is great for mac and cheese.  The great news about this recipe is that you can use it as a base and experiment with it!

If you like this recipe, you’ll love these too:

Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Food and drink: Baked Macaroni and Cheese - the best way to make mac and cheese. Simple main dish recipe!
Print
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 
There is nothing better than baked mac and cheese. And this Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is at the top of my list!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 831 kcal
Ingredients
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 c heavy whipping cream 1 pint
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 8 oz four cheese blend shredded
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 c onions chopped (walla walla or vidalia if available)
  • garlic powder
  • ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400.
  2. Bring water to boil, then add pasta.
  3. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes (as directed on package).
  4. While macaroni cooks, chop onions to desired consistency. Saute in a saucepan with 1 tbsp butter.
  5. Drain pasta and rinse with hot water.
  6. Place pasta back into pot with 2 tbsp butter and stir to cover so pasta does not stick.
  7. Stir in sauteed onions and cheese.
  8. Pour in heavy whipping cream and stir until nicely mixed.
  9. Add garlic powder and black pepper to taste.
  10. Scoop mixture into covered casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes, then check for desired bubbliness. ;).
  11. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Amount Per Serving
Calories 831 Calories from Fat 531
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 59g 91%
Saturated Fat 36g 180%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 199mg 66%
Sodium 446mg 19%
Potassium 293mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 3g
Protein 27g 54%
Vitamin A 39.4%
Vitamin C 3%
Calcium 53.1%
Iron 7.1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I have now ruined my daughter who doesn’t like mac and cheese from a box but prefers baked.  She was so excited when I made this again recently.  Cheesy, gooey goodness on a plate:

Food and drink: Baked Macaroni and Cheese - the best way to make mac and cheese. Simple main dish recipe! from www.thirtyhandmadedays.com

 

 

Food and drink: Baked Macaroni and Cheese - the best way to make mac and cheese. Simple dinner recipe!
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Comments

  1. Just made this tonight – SO good! I thought I had an onion, didn’t, but went for it anyways and it was still fantastic. Can’t wait to eat it for leftovers tomorrow, thank you!

  3. I just made this, it is in the oven now. I had to taste it, and there is more than would fit in my casserole dish. Omg! So very good! The onion and Harris add a different flavor and I think my older daughter will like it. She doesn’t like Mac n cheese. This will be liked for sure! Thanks!

  4. Saw this on Pinterest and your picture caught my eye. Looks delicious. I just came back from the grocery store with the ingredients :) I bought a Spanish onion since my store didn’t have many options. Can’t wait to try this :) I might add some small chunks of tomato…hmmmm.

  6. Made this for the kids’ play date. I omitted the onions. It was delicious but also very greasy. I will not add the butter next time, and maybe also cut down on the whipping cream (sub in some low-fat milk for a healthier option). Very popular!

  8. I made this for dinner last night. It was so delish. My daugther Camryn loved it. It’s our new Halloween Tradition. Thanks for the recipe.

    • Trish- yay!! So happy to hear that. My kids love this too because it’s simple. You can’t really go wrong. Hope you had a great Halloween! xo

  10. Love the simplicity of this–and looks so delicious!! I think when my sister has made baked Mac and cheese she put breadcrumbs on the top…adds a bit of texture. I think I’ll be making this for lunch today with some buttery breadcrumbs baked on top! :) Thank you for sharing!

  11. I usually make mine in the oven, too. I just replace the onions (’cause I hate them) with a little bit of instant vegetable broth, and part of the cream with milk =) Nothing beats tasty, cheesy pasta!

    • Hi Anja- I forgot to add that onions are optional but they add the taste. I like your idea of vegetable broth instead. And milk can be substituted too. Thanks for the comment. And yes- nothing beats cheesy pasta! ;)

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