One of America's Favorite Dishes, Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese contains several different types of cheeses, milk, and some light spices. Often times it calls for breadcrumbs as this recipe does.
It's easy to make a batch or two of this for a family get together or cookout. Beware: this recipe is extremely filling and definitely a major comfort food! Read on to find out how to make this easy, delicious homemade recipe from ingredients you might already have in your home!
Ingredients for Baked Macaroni & Cheese
It's easy, quick to make, and guests always love it.
The beauty of baked macaroni and cheese is that it can be made on a whim. Have pasta, a few types of cheese, and some milk on hand? You have pretty much all you need for the perfect mac and cheese dish.
*(1) 8 oz bag of Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, white or yellow
* 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 2 cups of whole milk
* 1 cup of breadcrumbs
* 1/2 lb of Land O' Lakes White American Cheese sliced thin (deli version only)
(Directions below)
Glass Baking Dishes
The perfect dish for baking macaroni and cheese
Anchor Hocking Oven Basics Glass Baking Dish Trio
Amazon Price: $16.89 (as of 11/13/2009)![]()
List Price: $29.99
These glass baking dishes are excellent quality and have something some others don't: high sides to prevent spillage. They'll also last a long time, so you won't have to replace them after heavy use. In a set of 3, these are a great deal and perfect for your baking needs.
Directions on Preparing Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
A quick comfort food that takes under 30 minutes to prepare!

* Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
* In a large saucepan, slowly simmer the milk until it just starts to bubble slightly.

* While the cheese is bubbling, boil water and make 1 box of the pasta of your choice. Elbows, shells, and penne work the best. Cook the pasta al dente so the pasta is about 1-2 minutes undercooked.
* Add the cheese to the milk and stir constantly to avoid scorching the cheese and curdling the milk. Reduce the heat if necessary.
* Heat the mixture long enough to completely melt the cheese into the milk. If the consistency is too milky, slowly add 1 tablespoon of flour.
* Remove from heat once melted. Add the worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, and pepper. Stir the mixture throughly with the cooked pasta.
* Place the macaroni and cheese mixture into a large glass pan. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs onto the mixture, then the paprika and parsley.
* Cook the macaroni and cheese for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and crispy. Serve with green beans or garden salad.
Scroll down for a healthier alternative to this recipe!
For a crispier macaroni and cheese
remove the pasta from the boiling water 1-2 minutes before the pasta is ready. The pasta will continue to cook in the cheese mixture when baking, so this will give it an added crunch.
Vote for your Favorite Cheese to Use in Macaroni and Cheese
Is it cheddar? Muenster? Swiss? Tell us!
Did we miss something? Add your favorite cheese to the list and vote for it!
To avoid curdling the milk
heat as slowly as possible. The lower the heat, the better. Stir constantly and you'll prevent the cheese from burning.Keep an eye on the cheese even after it has melted, and remove it from heat once it has melted. Once you add the pasta and bake it,the mac and cheese will further melt in the oven.
Calphalon Saucepans
Get a pan that lasts! Great to make your baked mac & cheese with...
Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 2-1/2-Quart Shallow Saucepan with Lid
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 11/13/2009)![]()
This Calphalon saucepan is better than nonstick -- it has a matte finish to prevent things from sticking to it, and metal utensils won't harm the finish of the pan (unlike nonstick surfaces). Nonstick surfaces are largely harmful once they start to flake off, entering the cooked food and possibly being ingested. With matte finish cookware, you don't have to worry about that. Thick sides prevent burning and give an all-around even heat. Calphalon provides a lifetime warranty for this product, just like the rest of their products!
Why American Cheese?
Strangely, American Cheese works well in macaroni and cheese recipes. The texture and consistency of the cheese helps "glue" the cheese together, making it smooth and easily meltable
For an Even Tastier Baked Macaroni and Cheese
try using these additional ingredients!
* 3-5 slices of Sharp Deli Provolone
* 2 Tablespoons of Dijon Mustard (add this ingredient after the cheese mixture is finished)
* 1 teaspoon of Coarse Ground Black Pepper
* 1 Tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce (add once cheese mixture is finished to prevent curdling)
* 1-2 Tablespoons of Parsley on top of the Macaroni and Cheese for garnish

Additional Options:
Some people like to add tomato slices, bacon, bratwurst, spinach or blue cheese to the mix for variety.
Healthy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Make a healthier, lower fat version of this recipe!
Ingredients for Healthy Baked Macaroni and Cheese- 1 box whole wheat or whole grain pasta (Barilla Plus is a good option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup lowfat cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup lowfat havarti cheese, monterey jack, asiago, or swiss cheese (each will provide its own unique taste)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup lowfat milk
- 2 tablespoons butter spread (like Smart Balance)
- 1 red pepper diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 small package frozen spinach
- 1 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp. dijon mustard
- 6 tbsp. breadcrumbs
Directions:
1. Prepare the pasta according to the box directions and preheat an oven to 400 degrees. Saute all of the vegetables (including the tomatoes) in a saucepan with the olive oil, except the spinach. Microwave the spinach according to the package directions. Add the spinach to the veggie mixture and continue to saute until all of the vegetables just start to get soft.
2. In a seperate saucepan, heat the milk on very low heat until the milk just starts to bubble. Add the cheese and stir frequently to avoid the milk from sticking to the bottom.
3. Add the flour to the cheese mixture, then the mustard. Continue to stir until the mixture is a creamy consistency. Do not overheat. To make a moister baked macaroni and cheese, add more milk to the mixture.
4. Combine the veggie mixture and cheese mixture. Drain the pasta and add to the veggie and cheese mixture. Place in a large shallow glass baking pan and top with the breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Serve immediately.
Picture by Evan.
For a crispier mac and cheese...
...use panko bread crumbs. They're large and won't dissolve into the cheese. Finer breadcrumbs will make the consistency of the macaroni and cheese slightly grainy.
What's Your Best Tip for a Great Baked Macaroni and Cheese?
Tweet your tip to the world and it will also be included here!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Videos
Macaroni and Cheese Shirts and Gifts!
Cheesy goodness right on a shirt or mousepad!
More Delicious Cooking/Recipe Pages
-
Herbed Apple & Pear Stuffing
-
This recipe is the perfect update on everyone's 2nd favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner, the stuffing! Spiced apple and fresh pear will give this dish a flavorful punch that will carry on through the turkey as well!
-
Homemade Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
-
Homemade crockpot meatballs are one of easiest recipes to get going in just around 30 minutes for an easy Italian style dinner idea. Just get some fresh bread, parmesan cheese, and boil up some spaghetti (or your favorite pasta) for a delicious meal....
-
Spiced Cranberry Chutney Recipe
-
Cranberry Chutney is a great recipe for Thanksgiving that will quickly replace the traditional canned cranberry sauce. With fresh ingredients like real cranberries, raisins and apples, along with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, th...
-
Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
-
Cupcakes are a hit all year, so change it up this year for the holidays with this festive recipe for Gingerbread Cupcakes ! Spicy, moist, and perfect for a party. They're also simple to make and easy to eat! It's gingerbread combined with cream chee...
-
Best French Toast Breakfast Recipes
-
French toast is a classic breakfast favorite amongst people all over the world. In Spain, they call them torrijas. The UK has many names for the bread, from "eggy bread" to "french fried bread," or "gypsy toast." No matter where you have french toast...
Have a Macaroni and Cheese Tip of your Own?
Be sure to leave it in the Guestbook!
Have you made this recipe? Tell us all about it!
-
Reply
- alteredkat alteredkat Nov 6, 2009 @ 7:38 am
- ohhhhh...yummy yummy yummy lens!
looks sooooo good...baked mac n' cheese is such a great comfort food!
love it!
- Reply
-
Reply
- norbridgeantiques norbridgeantiques Apr 26, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
- Love that macaroni and cheese!
- Reply
- Reply
- Load More
A Poll About this Lens...

Check out our Stores!
- Unique Clothing for Kiwis!
- Find unique clothing for kiwis in our store, Kiwi's Outback!
- Italian T-Shirts
- Italian themed t-shirts and gifts, from mugs, sweatshirts, to gifts for Nonni, your kids, and much more!
by kiwisoutback
(more)

















