Get ready to indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight that will take your taste buds on a nostalgic journey! Our "Easy Oven Mac Cheese" recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or a quick weeknight meal. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that rivals any restaurant's mac and cheese. Are you ready to discover the secrets to achieving that perfect cheesy goodness? Let's dive into this deliciously simple recipe that promises to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the mac and cheese to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and ensures a delightful texture.
- Smooth Sauce: When making the cheese sauce, whisk continuously while adding the milk to avoid lumps. A smooth roux is key to achieving that creamy consistency.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match cheeses! While cheddar is classic, adding mozzarella or gouda can create a unique flavor profile that elevates your mac and cheese.
- Golden Topping: For an extra crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the mac and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to your dish, making it not only delicious but visually appealing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
