Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
Has anyone tried this with american cheese?
American cheese just doesn’t do this justice. It doesn’t melt as creamy and gooey like the chedder.
This sounds so good. Can it be made up a day ahead and reheated?
Yes, I would go ahead and cook it fully, then when you reheat it add just a little milk so it doesn’t get dry.
Hi, I really want to make this but I don’t know what size pan or bowl to use. What measurements and style of dish did u use?
If you look further up, she said she used a 2 qt baking dish. I would guess you could use an 8×8 if you don’t have one.
Thank you so much for this recipe. My mom died when I was seven, and I remember her making a mac and cheese where she layered noodles and cheese and poured in milk. I never could figure what else was supposed to be in it. Thanks for letting me recreate a memory.
I think it easily makes 6 good size bowl servings
I just made this I used extra sharp chedder cheese and added a extra half cup of cheese and it is absolutely delicious next time I will add spiced bread crumbs onion powder garlic powder papeika n onion 🙂 thank u delicious n easy n inexpensive recipe
🙂 I am so glad you liked it Danyal!!!
How many ppl does this recipe serve
That really depends on how big of a serving each person gets Kaylee.