Baked Mac n Cheese

Baked Mac n Cheese was not a dish on our traditional Thanksgiving table but as I studied regional cuisines, found that it graces the Holiday tables throughout much of the Southern United States.

Making mac n cheese from scratch is pretty quick seeing as the sauce can be made as the pasta is boiling.
Since moving to South Carolina, I have found that Baked Mac n Cheese has become a new Holiday tradition at our house and folks seem to really enjoy it.  Making mac n cheese from scratch is pretty quick seeing as the sauce can be made as the pasta is boiling. If you prefer, you can make a creamy stove top Mac-n-Cheese.
Making mac n cheese from scratch is pretty quick seeing as the sauce can be made as the pasta is boiling.
My daughter likes it both ways but keeping with tradition, this one was done baked.
Making mac n cheese from scratch is pretty quick seeing as the sauce can be made as the pasta is boiling.

Check out my other mac and cheese recipes:

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Creamy Baked Macaroni n Cheese

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
Making mac n cheese from scratch is pretty quick seeing as the sauce can be made as the pasta is boiling.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch, side
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 497 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups macaroni , uncooked
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • salt & pepper , to taste
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dry ground mustard
  • 2 cups mild cheddar cheese , shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
  • 1 cup of fresh bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Cook macaroni according to the package instructions or until just al dente. Be careful not to overcook since the pasta will absorb some sauce during baking and become softer.
  • Drain pasta and set aside.
  • In a large sauce pan, melt butter and add flour. Stir to combine and make a roux. Next add milk and whisk [paid link] completely until the sauce starts to thicken. Next add the cheese and stir to combine until melted whisking out any lumps.
  • Taste the cheese mixture and add the salt & pepper, paprika and ground mustard until it has a good taste. When you are content with the taste, add in the pasta and stir well until combined.
  • Butter or spray a 9 x 9 inch baking dish. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with fresh buttered bread crumbs or panko (optional) and bake for 35-45 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly. It will firm up as it cools. Let stand for about 10-15 minutes or until fully set before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 20gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 466mgPotassium: 247mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 847IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 1µgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 3µgCalcium: 411mgFolate: 40µgIron: 2mgZinc: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

10 thoughts on “Baked Mac n Cheese”

  1. It tasted wonderful but the cheese sauce was very thick. I added extra cheese and broccoli, cauliflower, and bacon. I think I need to add more milk or reduce the amount of flour in the roux next time.

    Reply
  2. I absolutely love homemade mac n cheese. Unfortunately my kids have been tainted by blue box mac, LOL. I love this simple recipe!

    Reply
  3. This looks so creamy and delicious. I love a good baked mac & cheese, but my husband would rather a stovetop, so I don’t make it as much as I’d like to. I’m going to have to try this one, it’s a bit different than my own and I do love to try new Mac and Cheese recipes. One of my favorites!

    Reply
    • Thank you, Becca. I appreciate that. They can tend to get dry as the macaroni absorbs the sauce but my Mom always told me to make it saucier than you think you need to allow for that. Thanks for stopping over.

      Reply

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