Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese
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This Oven-baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a favorite among Southern Plate readers and it’s easy to see why. You need just a short list of ingredients to make this easy-baked macaroni and cheese dish the whole family will love.
It’s a requirement that all Americans love classic baked macaroni and cheese in some form, at some point in their lives. And I’m no different. Growing up, my mother made a creamy homemade mac and cheese with a sauce that was smooth as silk and permeated every particle of perfectly cooked macaroni. It was my brother’s favorite comfort food, so she usually made it every Sunday.
As kids we all became well acquainted with the boxed stuff, thrilling over the marvel and convenience of the powdery sauce which combined with milk to deliver the ideal after-school snack for busy families.
Now as an adult I’ve found that if I have a few extra minutes, homemade Macaroni and Cheese really does taste about 1000x better and everyone in the family prefers it.
This delicious oven-baked Mac and Cheese is super simple and easy to make. All you need is 5 ingredients — well six or seven if you count the salt and pepper 🙂 — and after about an hour, your macaroni and cheese will be ready. These Easy Baby Back Ribs in Oven and The Best Coleslaw additions would help make this the perfect meal.
I’d recommend watching my quick tutorial video above so that you can get a lay of the land with this recipe.
Okay now I bet you’re REALLY hungry so let’s get started!
Recipe Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese
- Plain flour
- Macaroni pasta
- Butter
- Milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simple ingredients = an amazing oven-baked mac and cheese recipe!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
How to Make Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese
Cook the pasta until tender and then drain it.
Mix all of the dry ingredients together and then set them aside.
Spray an oven-safe bowl or dish with cooking spray. Place half of the cooked macaroni inside.
Sprinkle half of the flour mixture over the top.
Then top it with half of the butter slices.
Sprinkle 1+1/2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.
Repeat the layering process again.
Pour milk over the entire macaroni and cheese casserole.
Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Everything I’ve ever wanted in oven-baked mac and cheese is pictured right there!
A lot of people view this as a side dish but I confess, it’s been the entire meal in our house on more than one occasion.
At this point, my son came in and said “Ma, when is the macaroni and cheese gonna be done?”.
I showed him this and his eyes got “big as dollars” as my grandmother would say!
Oh, to be a kid again :).
Storage
Store mac and cheese leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave.
Recipe Notes
- You can definitely make this oven-baked mac and cheese recipe your own. Here are some ideas:
- Add shredded chicken or cooked bacon.
- Need some vegetables? Add sautéed onion and/or finely chopped bell pepper.
- Add the dried herbs of your choice, such as onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika for heat.
- As I said, I totally serve this as a main dish and my family doesn’t complain! But if you serve it as a side dish, it goes great with Southern favorites like fried chicken and pulled pork.
- Need to top your Southern oven-baked mac and cheese with a crumbly topping? Sprinkle on some panko breadcrumbs and you’re good to go!
- You can use any you like (just not pre-shredded!). I like and combined.
You may also like these recipes:
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
One-Pot No Drain Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 2 1/2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- pepper to taste I use about a teaspoon
- 4 tbsp butter, thinly sliced
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese mild or sharp, your preference
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until tender and then drain it.2 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni
- Mix all of the dry ingredients together and then set them aside.2 1/2 tbsp flour, 1 1/4 tsp salt, pepper to taste
- Spray an oven-safe bowl or dish with cooking spray. Place half of the macaroni inside. Sprinkle half of the flour mixture over the top and then top it with half of the butter slices. Sprinkle 1+1/2 cups of cheese over the top and repeat.4 tbsp butter, thinly sliced, 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Pour milk over the entire macaroni and cheese casserole.1 cup whole milk
- Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
What does the four do to the recipe? I’ve never heard of using flour…pls help answer
I made this recipe on a whim last year for Thanksgiving and EVERYONE loved it. I just spent over an hour searching the net. for this recipe because NOTHING else will do. Its a simple recipe with huge flavour. Thank you for sharing!
How many does this recipe serve? Want to make for thanksgiving?
This looks great! I love making mac n cheese this way – reminds me of Grandma’s! Not sure if this is any easier but might help distribute the ingredients a little bit if you are having trouble with clumping. I drain the macaroni after cooking then put it back into the pot and add the butter and let it melt and then add the flour and stir it all together – that way all the macaroni is coated with the flour/butter mixture. I then add the shredded cheese and stir it all around and then dump it all into a buttered casserole dish. Add the milk and then top with cheese and bake. Lots of ways to get to the same lucious results. Happy Thanksgiving – I’m grateful for blog friends who add warmth and yumminess to my kitchen!
Exactly the way I do it, I stir the flour and butter in then layer my cheese. I dont let it sit in milk overnight because it will be too mushy. I did not know if anybody else made it like this so I did a search and found this recipe. Although, I make a excellent white sauce I dont have to worry about how much sauce to make with this recipe. I just add milk until it is right. use enough milk so that it will have time to cook without drying out. I do love buttered bread crumbs on top. Did it for the first time this Thanksgiving.
This is a very helpful suggestion…thanks.
How do I subscribe? I would love your moms recipe. I tried this one last night and it was AMAZING! Thank you
You are simpy amazing! I haven’t tried this yet but I will make homemade Mac n cheese for the first time this thanksgiving, thanks to your recipe. I am more than motivated to make this dish now, you made it simple and easy. I love how you took actual pictures of the process, that was really helpful considering the fact I’m a visual learner. Thanks so much god bless and have a happy holiday!!!!
Makin’ this~<3 <3 <3 thanks for this recipe.Tonight's Dinner.