Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
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Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a comfort food classic at our house. Especially when it’s baked in ramekins. It’s comfy and cozy and perfectly simple.
Adapted from an old family recipe passed to me from my mom, who is an outstanding cook. I’ve updated it only slightly and added spices my family loves.
Baking Mac n Cheese in ramekins speeds up baking time, gives everyone a portion of their own. And is very portable. Like sit in the front of the fire and watch your favorite movie — portable.
In our house, I even try to hide a few in the back of the refrigerator. Lunches, then, becomes very, very easy.
Baked Mac and Cheese is a comfort food I keep coming back to time and again. It’s easy to make, always a family favorite, and… it’s pasta.
And who doesn’t love pasta?
Not my guys.
More Favorite Mac and Cheese Recipes
4 Minute Instant Pot Taco Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Italian Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
Easy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A comfort food classic in our home, this baked Macaroni and Cheese dish. Most especially on cold winter evenings. Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a comfort food classic at our house. Especially when it's baked in ramekins. An old family recipe that's comfy and cozy and perfectly simple.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly 6 to 8 ramekins or a 3 to 4-quart baking dish.
- Microwave milk in a glass measure on High for 1 1/2 minutes.
- In a small bowl combine flour, salt, pepper, turmeric, and paprika. Whisk together and set aside.
- In a large dutch oven, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and spice mixture. Cook, whisking constantly until bubbly. About a minute.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened; 2 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese until melted. Stir in pasta.
- Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into lightly greased ramekins or baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese on top. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 400Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 614mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 19g
I would like to this recipie in my air fryer. How should I do that
Hi Katherine, using the air fryer for Mac and Cheese is a great idea! I’ve not yet tested it this way— but it’s been on my list. When I do, I plan to “bake” it at 360 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes- stirring half way through. And to let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. I’m also toying with the idea of adding half of the cheese in the beginning and the remaining cheese at the half way point for creaminess.
If you try it before I can test it— I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Coming out of the oven won’t the ramekins be hot to touch.
Hi Ruby! Hope you enjoyed them– and yes, let them cool a bit, although it doesn’t take long.
Your recipe does not indicate how many this will serve? If using ramekins; how many do I use?????
Thanks
Hi Nanette — depending on the size of your ramekins, it should fill 6 to 8 of them.