Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Looking for a comforting, cheesy dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please? This Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the answer! With creamy layers of macaroni, sharp Cheddar cheese, and a deliciously crispy top, this dish is a classic favorite that makes for a perfect side or main course. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Macaroni:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

• In a bowl, mix together the evaporated milk, eggs, sour cream, seasoning salt, and black pepper until well combined.

4. Layer the Casserole:

• In the prepared casserole dish, layer the cooked macaroni, shredded Cheddar cheese, and the milk mixture. Repeat the layers until the dish is full. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and pour melted butter over the top for extra flavor and a golden finish.

5. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 to 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 to 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Hot: Macaroni and cheese is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. The cheese will be gooey, and the top will be perfectly crispy.
2. Garnish: For added flavor and texture, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for a little heat.
3. Side Dishes: Pair this baked macaroni and cheese with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also works well as a side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
2. Freezing: If you’d like to store it for longer, you can freeze the baked macaroni and cheese. Wrap the entire dish or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: To reheat, place the macaroni and cheese in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions, but note that the texture may be softer than when reheated in the oven.
4. Make-Ahead: You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Assemble the macaroni and cheese, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

These serving and storage tips will help you enjoy your Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese at its best, whether served fresh or enjoyed as leftovers!

Variations:

1. Three-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese:
   • Mix up the cheese varieties by using a combination of Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Gruyère. The different cheeses add layers of flavor and melt beautifully together.
2. Spicy Macaroni and Cheese:
   • Add a kick to your mac and cheese by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy twist.
3. Bacon Macaroni and Cheese:
   • Stir in crispy cooked bacon bits into the macaroni before baking. The bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the creamy cheese.
4. Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese:
   • Boost the nutrition by adding steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or cauliflower. Simply fold the veggies into the macaroni before layering in the casserole dish.
5. Creamy Garlic Macaroni and Cheese:
   • For a garlicky twist, sauté minced garlic in butter before adding it to the cheese mixture. You can also stir in a bit of garlic powder or roasted garlic for a richer flavor.
6. Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumb Topping:
   • Create a crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling it over the top before baking. This adds a delicious crunchy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
7. Macaroni and Cheese with Ham:
   • Dice up some cooked ham and mix it into the macaroni for a hearty variation. The salty ham pairs perfectly with the cheesy sauce.
8. Truffle Macaroni and Cheese:
   • Elevate your mac and cheese with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of truffle salt. This luxurious addition adds an earthy depth of flavor.
9. Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese:
   • For a zesty twist, stir in shredded Buffalo chicken and a bit of hot sauce. This variation combines the best of mac and cheese with the spicy tang of Buffalo wings.
10. Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese:
    • Substitute the regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients, such as the seasoning salt, are gluten-free to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

These variations allow you to customize your Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   • Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   • While you can use pre-shredded cheese, freshly shredded cheese is recommended because it melts better and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the dish.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can assemble the macaroni and cheese ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and then bake as directed.
4. How can I make this dish creamier?
   • To make the mac and cheese creamier, you can add a bit more evaporated milk or stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream into the cheese mixture.
5. Can I add protein to this dish?
   • Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, ham, bacon, or even ground beef to make it a more substantial meal.
6. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
   • For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of cheese, or add more vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
7. What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
   • If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use regular milk or half-and-half. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less rich.
8. How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy?
   • To avoid mushy macaroni, cook the pasta until it’s just al dente (slightly firm to the bite) before layering it in the casserole dish.
9. Can I freeze the baked macaroni and cheese?
   • Yes, you can freeze the baked macaroni and cheese. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
10. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
    • If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago, or simply add more Cheddar cheese to the topping.

These FAQs address common questions and provide helpful tips to ensure your Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese turns out perfectly every time!