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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. 

A Comfort Food Classic: Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese | 31Daily.com

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.

Closeup of individual baked mac and cheese on a wood board

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

individual baked macaroni and cheese in ramekins

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. 
4.8 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Stephanie Wilson

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 614mg | Fiber: 1g

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked mac and cheese, baked mac n cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese recipe, individual mac and cheese cups, individual macaroni and cheese, mac and cheese individual servings, recipe for baked mac and cheese, recipe for baked macaroni and cheese

10 Comments

    1. Hi Terry! You can definitely make this ahead. Make the recipe as per instructions, then transfer it to the baking dish and cool completely. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead. Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then bake for 25-35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. I’ve updated the recipe card with these instructions.

    1. 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!

  1. Your recipe does not indicate how many this will serve? If using ramekins; how many do I use?????
    Thanks

4.84 from 6 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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