Easy Baked Mac and Cheese – Tasty Baked Mac n Cheese Recipe
Experience a comforting classic with this Easy Baked Mac and Cheese. This scrumptious dish is not only perfect for cozy dinners but also makes for delightful leftovers. Above all, this recipe focuses on creating creamy, flavorful noodles that perfectly balance with the cheese topping. Let’s dive into this trial-and-error success and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Yield: 12 Servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients for Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
- 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions to Make Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, 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. Then, drain well.
- Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add ½ cup of butter, sour cream, and cream cheese to the pasta. Stir to combine until the butter and cheese melt evenly.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, egg yolk, and remaining ¼ cup of butter.
- Next, add the flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and cayenne pepper. Slowly pour in the milk and mix well.
- Combine this mixture with the cooked macaroni and transfer it to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with the shredded mild cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Healthier Cooking Options
To make this dish healthier, consider using whole grain pasta or a fiber-rich alternative. Moreover, try swapping regular sour cream and cream cheese with low-fat versions. Similarly, using half-and-half cream instead of whole milk can reduce calorie intake. Above all, these modifications ensure you maintain flavor without compromising health benefits.
Why You’ll Love Our Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Not only is it creamy and delicious, but it’s also a comforting classic that everyone will enjoy. In short, this dish is ideal for family gatherings and makes excellent leftovers. Most importantly, the cheese’s flavor fully sets in if you store them overnight.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying. We invite you to try it today and share your feedback. After all, your comments will be greatly valued, helping us continue the quest for the perfect mac and cheese!
