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.
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
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!
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Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- 12 oz. bag elbow macaroni
- 2 c. (1 pint) heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz. bag shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz. bag shredded four cheese blend
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onions (walla walla or vidalia if available)
- garlic powder
- ground black pepper
- Pre-heat oven to 400.
- Bring water to boil, then add pasta.
- Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes (as directed on package).
- While macaroni cooks, chop onions to desired consistency. Saute in a saucepan with 1 Tbsp. butter.
- Drain pasta and rinse with hot water.
- Place pasta back into pot with 2 tbsp butter and stir to cover so pasta does not stick.
- Stir in sauteed onions and cheese.
- Pour in heavy whipping cream and stir until nicely mixed.
- Add garlic powder and black pepper to taste.
- Scoop mixture into covered casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes, then check for desired bubbliness. ;).
- Enjoy!
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!
How many people does your recipe serve?
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!
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.
Helpful info. Lucky me I discovered your site accidentally, and I’m
stunned why this coincidence didn’t took place in advance!
I bookmarked it.
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!
This sounds really good. So can you replace 1c veg broth for 1c onions or will it be runny?
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
Umm…yeah. That looks pretty much AMAZING!
Thanks Brittany! That’s a special compliment coming from a cook/baker like you! xo
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!
Mmm that sounds delicious Jen! Hope it turned out good for you.
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! ;)