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close up of a casserole dish of baked macaroni and cheese

Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Morgan Peaceman
This easy baked macaroni and cheese is tried and true. Perfectly baked, guaranteed to be a staple family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 strainer
  • 1 large pot
  • 1 oven safe baking dish
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pasta
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Boil the pasta. For pasta other than regular durum, cook a minute under box recommendations. Strain pasta and rinse.
  • Meanwhile, add the ¼ cup flour to a large deep pan. Throw in butter and begin to melt butter and stir until the mixture becomes a paste.
  • Add in the milk and stock. Stir on a low flame until it begins to thicken and bubble.
  • Layer in cheese handfuls at a time, stirring to combine and melt cheese, adding more cheese as desired. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Add in the cooked pasta and stir to coat. Turn off the flame and keep stirring until the pasta thickens.
  • Prep an oven safe baking dish, pour in the pasta and sprinkle breadcrumbs.
  • Bake for 15 minutes and then broil for two minutes or just until top noodles are golden and crisp, and the cheese is slightly browned. Serve immediately.
Keyword baked pasta, easy baked mac, mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, pasta dish, pasta recipe
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