Kirbie's Cravings

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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This baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting dinner or side dish. When baked, a chewy cheesy crust develops and the breadcrumb topping gets nice and crispy. The topping is a nice contrast to the creamy macaroni and cheese.

overhead photo of a plate of macaroni and cheese

Iโ€™ve been trying a lot of macaroni and cheese recipes lately, but theyโ€™ve been stovetop mac and cheese recipes so Iโ€™ve been wanting to move on to baked macaroni and cheese.

Iโ€™ve been researching a lot of recipes and decided to try a recipe from Mama Sparkles which actually starts on the stovetop but then is finished in the oven, which I havenโ€™t tried yet. The recipe is actually from her sister and Iโ€™m so glad I tried it because I loved it. Of course, I put my own little spin on it, too.

photo of mac and cheese in a baking dish

I mostly followed the recipe, except that I also added some breadcrumbs before baking to give it a little crust on top. I enjoyed this version as much as I enjoyed the creamy stovetop version. The baked cheese on top creates a slightly chewy crust and then you go underneath and find creamy pasta.

Tips for Making this Recipe

  • When you boil the pasta, cook it until itโ€™s al dente, which means itโ€™s cooked through but still with a bit of a firm bite. Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, you donโ€™t want it overcooked otherwise it will be too mushy,
  • I used cavatappi pasta for this recipe, which is corkscrew-shaped pasta. You can also use elbow macaroni.
  • You actually make the sauce on the stove first before adding the pasta. Then you pour it all into a baking dish so it can go in the oven.
  • You donโ€™t need to bake it for very long. Basically, youโ€™re just sticking it under the broiler until a crust forms on top. I really enjoyed this part โ€“ the crust is chewy and a nice contrast to the creamy macaroni and cheese inside.
  • I did add some breadcrumbs on top before I put it in the oven. I thought the crispy breadcrumbs would add a nice texture and I really like how it came out.

Iโ€™m so happy to have discovered this recipe and will definitely make it again, but Iโ€™ll keep exploring other recipes, too. Iโ€™ve learned there are many ways to make macaroni and cheese and there are so many delicious recipes to try. Here are more recipes you might like, too!

close-up photo of a plate of macaroni and cheese with a fork

overhead photo of a plate of macaroni and cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
This baked macaroni and cheese has a breadcrumb topping and pasta baked in a creamy cheese sauce.
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
  • 2-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups grated light cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs my addition

Instructions

  • Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, position rack on top shelf in oven and preheat broiler to high. In a medium-size bowl, whisk milk with Dijon, salt and cayenne. Melt butter in a large saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Mixture will be dry and very lumpy. Gradually add milk mixture, a little at a time, whisking constantly between additions to beat out any lumps. Stir often until mixture comes to a boil, 3 to 6 minutes. Remove pan from heat and gradually stir in 1-1/2 cups cheese. Continue stirring until melted.
  • When macaroni is cooked, drain well. Do not rinse. Stir into cheese sauce. Mixture will be very creamy and saucy.
  • Pour into an 8-inch baking dish. Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and then sprinkle breadcrumbs. Broil on top rack of preheated oven until cheese melts, about 5 minutes.

Notes

Recipe sourse: Mama Sparkles' sister

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25of recipe, Calories: 591kcal, Carbohydrates: 59g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 16g, Sodium: 1207mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, NET CARBS: 57

The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.

Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see it! Mention @KirbieCravings and tag #kirbiecravings!

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    5 comments on โ€œCreamy Baked Macaroni and Cheeseโ€

    1. Yummy Awkward. One Of My Favourite and (Expected For It To Be That) Itโ€™s Super Cheesy Was Cheesy and Teen Wolf Itโ€™s Cheesy Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

    2. Awesome!! Made this last night just used sharp cheddar cheese. This was amazing. Thank you for your recipe!!

    3. I would love a bowl of this for lunch every afternoon this weekโ€ฆ WOW.

    Easy Baking with Just Pantry Staples

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