Description
This Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, with creamy layers of cheese, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a golden, bubbly crust. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something rich and satisfying, this recipe is easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces, cooked al dente according to package directions)
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups Colby jack or cheddar cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces shredded Colby jack or cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Prepare the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, cooking it al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread half of the cooked macaroni in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Top with half of the butter pieces, half of the cubed cheese, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Gently pour half of the egg mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Repeat the Layers:
- Add the remaining macaroni on top.
- Repeat with the remaining butter, cubed cheese, shredded cheese, and egg mixture.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden on top.
- Let It Rest:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Spoon out portions or cut into generous cubes and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Tips: Cook the macaroni al dente to ensure it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Cheese Options: While Colby jack and cheddar are classics, you can mix in gouda, gruyere, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American