This easy baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Made with cheddar, mozzarella, and a smooth homemade cheese sauce, it bakes until golden and bubbly for a classic comfort food dish.
Why You'll Love It
- Simple ingredients that come together quickly
- A creamy homemade cheese sauce with cheddar and mozzarella
- Baked until golden and bubbly on top
- A classic comfort food dinner everyone enjoys
Easy baked mac and cheese is one of those recipes I like making when I want a comforting dinner without much effort. The creamy cheese sauce comes together with simple ingredients, and the short bake in the oven gives the top that golden, bubbly finish that makes baked mac and cheese so satisfying.
What I like most about this recipe is how reliable it is. Butter, flour, milk, cheddar, and mozzarella melt into a smooth sauce that coats every piece of macaroni. The center stays creamy while the top turns lightly golden in the oven. When I'm in the mood for a comforting pasta dinner like this, I also sometimes make dishes such as baked ziti or a quick pesto pasta, which have the same cozy, homemade feel but with a different flavor. If you enjoy simple comfort food recipes, these are the kinds of meals that always work well for an easy dinner.
Key Ingredients in Baked Mac and Cheese
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at key ingredients and why I use them.
- Macaroni: Macaroni works very well for this recipe because the curves hold the cheese sauce nicely. I like using it since every bite stays creamy and well-coated.
- Cheddar and Mozzarella: Cheddar gives the classic mac and cheese flavor, while mozzarella adds a softer melt. I use this combination because it keeps the sauce creamy and smooth.
- Butter, Flour, and Milk: Butter and flour create the base of the cheese sauce, and I slowly add the milk so the sauce becomes smooth and coats the pasta evenly.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a little nutmeg keep the flavor balanced. I like adding nutmeg because it gives the sauce a subtle warmth without overpowering the cheese.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Boil salted water in a pot, add the macaroni, and cook until al dente. While it cooks, grate the cheddar and mozzarella and get the sauce ingredients ready.
2. Melt the butter in a frying pan over low heat, stir in the flour, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Add ¾ of the grated cheese to the sauce and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then drain the pasta and mix it well into the cheese sauce.
4. Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle over the remaining cheese, and bake at 360°F (180°C) for 15 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese
Warm the Milk First: I like to warm the milk slightly before adding it to the sauce. This helps the sauce come together faster and keeps the texture smoother.
Stir the Sauce Constantly: When the milk goes into the pan, I keep stirring so the sauce thickens evenly and doesn't develop lumps.
Use a Baking Dish That Isn't Too Large: I prefer a dish where the macaroni sits a little deeper rather than spreading out too thin. This keeps the inside creamy while the top turns nicely golden.
Storage
I store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like adding a small splash of milk and warming it gently so the sauce becomes creamy again.
What to Serve with Baked Mac and Cheese
I like serving baked mac and cheese with lighter sides that balance the richness. A fresh salad or sautéed mushrooms work very well alongside it.
Try These Pasta Recipes Next!
Recipe
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 200 g macaroni
- 60 g Cheddar cheese - grated
- 60 g Mozzarella cheese - grated
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 500 ml whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add 7 oz (200 g) macaroni and cook until al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Do not overcook.
- In a frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add 2 cups (500 ml) of milk, stirring continuously so the sauce stays smooth. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add ¾ of the grated cheese to the sauce and stir until melted. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
- Drain the macaroni and mix it into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 360°F / 180°C for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
I am going to make it today