Holidays are always approaching, one of the most special times for gathering with family and sharing cherished dishes. One of my go-to side dishes to make is Baked Macaroni & Cheese. It’s not just a holiday favorite; it’s also a treasured recipe passed down from my grandma, making it even more special.
Baked macaroni and cheese is a must-have at our Thanksgiving table, but honestly, it’s perfect year-round and pairs well with many meals. It’s a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s surprisingly simple to make—especially when you’ve got the right ingredients.
The old-school version keeps it classic: a rich blend of cheeses, milk, butter, and eggs. Elbow macaroni is traditional, but don’t be afraid to mix it up with other pasta shapes. No matter what kind you choose, follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a golden, gooey, and irresistible dish.
Let’s get into this easy recipe.
Details
5-6 servings, idea for a family of 4-5 people
30 minutes
1 hour and 10 minutes
black pepper, salt, garlic powder, paprika
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Ingredients
1 box of elbow macaroni (I used 1/2 box of 16oz box)
1 8oz block of mild cheddar cheese
2 bags of 8oz shredded triple cheddar cheese
1/2 block of cream cheese
1-2 cups of milk
1 egg
1/2 stick of butter
1-2 tbsp of flour
Directions
- First, start boiling your elbow pasta. While your elbow pasta is cooking start cutting up your block cheese ( small medium cube size). (Suggestion, bring water to boil on high, add pasta, stir then turn down medium, boil for 7 minutes)
- While pasta is cooking start the cheese sauce. In a pot add a 1/2 stick of butter, let butter melt on medium heat. Then add 1 tbsp of flour. Mix until flour dissolves, then add cream cheese and milk ( add more milk as needed). Let heat some so that the cream cheese will softened, then mix into milk really good. Then add 1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix in on low heat and let cheese, and milk thicken. Turn off until ready to mix in macaroni.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Add cooked macaroni into a mixing bowl. Add 1 egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cut block cheese, and a handful of shredded cheese. Mix everything together then add cheese sauce. Mix that in really good.
- Next, transfer macaroni to a baking dish(suggest greasing bottom and sides with cooking oil before adding pasta). Top macaroni with remaining shredded cheddar cheese. This is optional, I garnish top with italian seasoning and paparika.
- Cover with baking lid or aluminum foil, place in oven for at least 60 minutes. Then bake uncovered for 10 – 15 minutes.