• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Email Series!

5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

Free email series of my best tips!

Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Free Email Series!

    5 Time and Stress Saving Cooking Secrets

    Free email series of my best tips!

  • Visit my other Site: Pancake Recipes

Rachel Cooks®

Easy Healthy-ish Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • Popular
    • Instant Pot Pinto Beans
    • Green Beans with Bacon
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
    • Beef Stew Seasoning
    • Chili Seasoning Recipe
    • Thousand Island Dressing
    • Poppy Seed Dressing
    • Copycat Panera Squash Soup
    • Chocolate Chip Blondies
    • Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast
    • Frosé
    • Best Chocolate Cake
    • Dill Vegetable Dip
    • Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
    • Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Learn to Cook
    • All The Basics
    • Crostini
    • Delicata Squash
    • Butternut Squash
    • Kabocha Squash
    • Spaghetti Squash
    • Guacamole
    • Croutons
    • Snap Peas
    • Baked Potatoes
    • Baked Bacon
    • Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
    • Simple Syrup
    • Pickled Red Onions Recipe
    • Toasted Pine Nuts
    • Roasted bone-in Chicken Breasts
    • Poached Chicken
    • Roasted Whole Chicken
    • Easy Cheese Sauce

Dinner Made Easy:

Slow Cooker

5 Ingredients

Grilling

Make Ahead

Sheet Pan

Tacos

Pizza

Home Recipes by Type Pasta
VG Vegetarian

EASIEST Baked Macaroni and Cheese (the best!)

4.36
/5
1 hr 15 mins
259 Comments
Jump to Recipe Video
By: Rachel GurkPosted: 11/07/2011Updated: 06/14/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Mac and cheese in baking dish, text overlay reads "easiest ever baked mac and cheese"
Mac and cheese in baking dish, text overlay reads "easiest ever baked mac and cheese"
Mac and cheese in baking dish, text overlay reads "easiest ever baked mac and cheese"
Baked old fashioned mac and cheese with text overlay with recipe title.
Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - A reader favorite on RachelCooks.com

Easiest ever baked macaroni and cheese – this is a go-to recipe of many of my readers and it will become the same for your family!

Baked mac and cheese in a white oval casserole dish next to a blue and white checkered linen on a wooden background.

No, really.

This is the easiest ever macaroni and cheese! And so delicious!

About this easy baked macaroni and cheese:

This baked macaroni and cheese is made like Grandma used to make it, the old fashioned, baked in a casserole dish style. If you’re looking for a creamy, non-baked recipe, you’ll probably love this copycat Panera mac and cheese or Instant Pot macaroni and cheese. 

I just love this baked macaroni and cheese, though. It’s a little bit chewier, with lots of great cheddar cheese flavor, and I especially love the way the top crisps up in the oven.

Plus it’s so easy! You just boil pasta, mix with grated cheese, a couple tablespoons of flour, and seasonings, put it in a casserole dish, and pour the milk over it. That’s it! No messing with white sauces or tricky steps. No getting four pots and pans dirty!

You can prep this macaroni and cheese ahead of time and keep it in the fridge overnight. It’s ready to bake when you want it!

Baked mac and cheese is a total crowd pleaser. This is a great recipe for busy weeknight meals but also for entertaining. Perfect for potlucks!

Enjoy one of our family’s favorite meals! I grew up eating this macaroni and cheese and it was always a special day when my mom prepared it. Now I love serving it to my family and I especially love how easy it is to prepare. I’m sure you will too!

Close up overhead view of cheese macaroni in a white oval baking dish.

What you need to make baked mac and cheese:

Really simple ingredients in this one, and lots of room to adapt the recipe to make it your own. For this macaroni and cheese recipe, you’ll need:

  • Elbow Macaroni – other shapes will work, as will whole wheat pasta. We haven’t tested this with a grain-free pasta, but it would probably work. Of course, the texture would be slightly different.
  • 1 pound of shredded cheese – we like extra sharp cheddar, but you can use many types of cheese. We always recommend shredding your own cheese fo the best texture (plus it’s cheaper), but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
  • Flour – this helps the mac and cheese thicken up. 
  • Ground mustard – this is totally optional but it adds depth to the flavor. You can also use dijon mustard if you don’t have ground mustard.
  • Milk – whole, 2%, skim…they’ll all work
  • Butter – helps you get that golden brown top on the macaroni and cheese! 
  • Salt and Pepper – always! You won’t need a lot of salt since cheese is salty.

How to make the best baked macaroni and cheese:

This recipe is the best because it’s SO easy to make. No fussing with making a roux or a cheese sauce. 

Here are the simple steps:

  1. Preheat oven and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray (or rub with butter) for easy clean up. 
  2. Cook pasta as directed on the package for al dente texture (don’t forget to salt your water!).
  3. While the macaroni cooks, combine most of the cheese with the flour, ground mustard, and pepper. 
  4. When the pasta is cooked and drained, mix it with the cheese mixture. 
  5. Place in greased pan, and pour milk over macaroni. Top with remaining cheese and dot with butter. Cover with foil.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes, taking foil off after 30 minutes if desired for a crisper top. 
  7. Most milk should be soaked up by the time it is done cooking, but we find it best to let this sit for about 10 minutes before serving. 

The best baked macaroni and cheese in an oval white casserole dish, overhead view on a wooden background.

FAQs:

What kind of cheese is best for macaroni and cheese?

For this recipe, sharp cheddar is best (I use extra sharp) – it provides this macaroni and cheese with the maximum amount of flavor.

Can you make this macaroni and cheese with pre-grated cheese or do you have to grate your own?

Grate your own cheese for best results. Pre-grated cheese contains additives to prevent clumping in the bag but that also means the cheese shreds don’t melt as well. However, if all you have is pre-grated cheese, don’t worry, your mac and cheese will still be tasty.

Can I put breadcrumbs on top of this baked mac and cheese?

Breadcrumbs on the top would be good if that’s how you like mac & cheese!

Should I cover mac & cheese with foil when baking?

I like my top extra crispy. If you do not, I’d recommend covering with foil for at least the first 30 minutes, or up until the entire time.

Can baked macaroni and cheese be made ahead?

This can be prepped in full a day ahead (aside from baking) and baked prior to serving. If you have leftover mac and cheese, heat it in the microwave at medium heat. Watch out, it heats up quickly!

Can I use whole wheat pasta in this mac and cheese?

Whole wheat pasta is awesome in this, and is the way I usually make it.

Macaroni and cheese on a plate with a fork. A casserole dish of macaroni and cheese is placed in the background.

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Baked mac and cheese in a white oval casserole dish next to a blue and white checkered linen on a wooden background.
Recipe

Get the Recipe: Easiest Ever Baked Macaroni and Cheese (with VIDEO)

4.36 from 509 votes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Additional Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
6 servings
Print Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Easiest ever baked macaroni and cheese - this is a go-to recipe of many of my readers and it will become the same for your family!

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound (16 oz) sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 2 cups low-fat milk
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray or grease a casserole dish or a 9x13 pan.
  • Cook macaroni as directed on the package in salted water until tender, drain.
  • While macaroni is cooking, combine 2 and 1/2 cups of cheese with flour, pepper, and ground mustard.
  • In a large bowl, combine cheese and flour mixture with hot macaroni and stir to combine. Pour into the greased pan. Pour milk over macaroni. Top with remaining cheese. Dot with butter. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 45 minutes (taking the foil off after 30 minutes if desired) or until firm and golden brown. You want to make sure there isn’t a lot of runny milk in it still, poke a knife in the middle if necessary. Some will soak in as it cools but it should be mostly absorbed.
  • (Optional) Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to further firm up.

Notes

  • Whole wheat elbow macaroni can be substituted.
  • Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for best results.
  • If desired, add 3 tablespoons minced onion.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1of 6, Calories: 220kcal, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 173mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 4g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk
Did You Make This?Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @RachelCooksBlog. I love seeing what you made!
Share A Photo! Tag on Insta Rate It

Looking for more macaroni and cheese? I have you MORE than covered!

Try:

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Thick macaroni in a white cheese sauce in a black slow cooker.

Pizza Mac & Cheese Muffins

Stack of macaroni and cheese muffins with pepperoni.

DIY “Easy Mac” (Microwave Macaroni and Cheese)

White cheesy macaroni in a brown and white oval dish.

Holiday Quick-Start Guide

Get my Holiday

Quick-Start Guide!

Free email series of my best tips!

FREE BONUS!

You May Also Like...

  • Pizza Macaroni and Cheese Muffins on RachelCooks.com
    Pizza Mac and Cheese Muffins
  • Macaroni pasta and a white cheese sauce in a brown and white bowl on a wooden backdrop.
    How to Make Mac and Cheese in the Microwave
  • A forkful of mac and cheese held over a serving dish.
    Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Turkey
  • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese - so easy!
Vanilla bean whipped cream cheese in a square bowl.
Previous Post
Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Cheese
White plate containing a square piece of breakfast casserole.
Next Post
Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Spinach

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




The maximum upload file size: 1 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here

  1. Alicia Razavi says

    August 23, 2022 at 8:10 pm

    If you make ahead of time do you pour milk on the night before or right before cooking? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      August 27, 2022 at 2:39 pm

      I put it on ahead of time but if you’re worried about it being dry you might want to wait until just before cooking.

      Reply
  2. Kayla says

    August 18, 2022 at 1:39 pm

    Hi Rachel, I made this a loooong time ago but I forgot one little detail. Do I butter the Mac and cheese after straining it so it doesn’t stick together? Or will it not matter since it’s being cooked in the oven?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      August 23, 2022 at 9:15 am

      No need to butter before mixing with everything!

      Reply
  3. Tanisha says

    July 10, 2022 at 5:00 pm

    ok…i am an airhead…the combining of the cheese and flour is cooking it on the stove so it melts, right?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      July 14, 2022 at 9:55 am

      Nope! That’s why this recipe is so easy! It will melt when you bake it.

      Reply
  4. Nancy says

    May 22, 2022 at 5:06 pm

    Just made this, it is delicious!

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      May 23, 2022 at 11:01 am

      So glad you like it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
  5. Justin says

    February 5, 2022 at 7:59 pm

    5 stars
    This is always my go to recipe ! I always top it with either cracker crumbs or bread crumbs. It’s very yummy !

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      February 7, 2022 at 9:40 am

      So glad you like it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
  6. MC says

    December 23, 2021 at 2:49 am

    Should I use salted or unsalted butter? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 23, 2021 at 11:23 am

      Either one will work! I usually use unsalted.

      Reply
  7. Michelle C says

    December 15, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    I made this and everyone loved it! Making it again this year. Can I bake this and freeze it? How would you bake it frozen or would you let it thaw?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 15, 2021 at 2:16 pm

      It should freeze really well! For best results, I would let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. But even if you baked from frozen, it would probably still turn out, it will just take longer. I would recommend baking it covered so it doesn’t dry out and/or get too brown/crispy on top (especially if baking it straight frozen).

      Reply
  8. LYNELLE STJACQUES says

    December 7, 2021 at 2:33 pm

    5 stars
    I found this on your site a couple years ago and it’s my go to always for mac & cheese now! It’s just as good as my old recipe that would take me forever to put together.
    tThank you
    I

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 9, 2021 at 9:36 pm

      So glad to hear it! Thanks for leaving a review!

      Reply
  9. Susan says

    October 31, 2021 at 11:38 am

    5 stars
    This is amazing! It’s delicious and couldn’t be easier. It has become my go-to for everything from kid gatherings to dropping off meals to neighbors who need a little help. It’s great because I can mix the macaroni and the cheese ingredients together and drop it off with instructions to pour hot milk over it and bake whenever they’re ready for a dose of comfort food.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      November 1, 2021 at 10:18 am

      That’s such a great idea! Your neighbors are lucky to have you! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, it means a lot.

      Reply
  10. Turbofat says

    October 5, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    5 stars
    Phenom recipe, make it all the time, always a crowd pleaser

    You can do this turbo fat style for a little different feel:
    1 cup milk instead of two
    When mixing the drained macaroni w/ the cheddar, after integrating, stir in 8 oz sour cream and 8 oz cottage cheese of your fat choosing, stir w/ the macaroni til smooth and pour into dish
    w e w

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      October 6, 2021 at 6:34 am

      Sounds so yummy!

      Reply
  11. K Hofmann says

    June 1, 2021 at 12:21 am

    Soooooo good & easy! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      June 1, 2021 at 9:01 pm

      You’re welcome! So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  12. BETTY TWISS says

    April 2, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    You are not kidding. This is the best. From now on this is the only recipe I will make.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      April 3, 2021 at 9:09 pm

      I’m so glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  13. Marquelle Laster says

    February 14, 2021 at 11:32 am

    This will be my third time making this DELICIOUS Mac N Cheese! It was a must that I have it for Valentine’s Day. My family & I love, love, love this recipe. 

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      February 15, 2021 at 2:43 pm

      I’m so happy to hear you like it! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  14. Nisee says

    February 11, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    Could I use heavy whipping cream instead of low fat milk? & if so, how much would I use?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      February 11, 2021 at 9:22 pm

      I haven’t tested it with heavy cream but I’m sure it would be absolutely amazing! I’d use an equal amount.

      Reply
  15. Michelle Waker says

    February 8, 2021 at 10:34 am

    Made this last night using government block cheese. It was amazing !! I put panko crumbs on it with the butter chunks on top . Baked it uncovered so it would be crunchy on top . Delicious :)

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      February 8, 2021 at 9:13 pm

      So glad you liked it! Love the panko on top!

      Reply
    • Donna Desso says

      August 27, 2022 at 11:24 am

      Where did you get the government block cheese? My dad used to get it years and years ago and it was so good plus it was free.

      Reply
Older Comments
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Rachel! Life can be complicated, cooking shouldn't be! I believe that you can put a delicious meal on the table without stressing. It's possible, and I'm here to help. Have a seat at my table...let's chat, eat, and have fun! Read more...

Air Fryer Instant Pot 30 Minutes One Pan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Vegetarian 5 Ingredients

Trending

Cooked salmon fillet on a grey-toned plate with cooked asparagus spears. The salmon is being flaked with a fork.

Air Fryer Salmon – easy and delicious!

Pizza pasta being scooped from a pan with a wooden spoon.

Pizza Pasta – 1 pan, 20 minutes

Image of a giant bowl of spaghetti with turkey meatballs.

Baked Turkey Meatballs

Asparagus Panzanella Salad

Seasonal

Beef and vegetable stir fry in a black wok.

Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables

Hot honey chicken sheet pan dinner with honey being drizzled on.

Hot Honey Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Sweet and sour shrimp lettuce wrap garnished with green onion.

Sweet and Sour Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

BBQ Chicken burrito bowl with avocado and sour cream.

BBQ Chicken Bowl

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
Free Bonus!

5 Cooking Secrets to Save Time & Stress

Free email series of my best tips and recipes!

Featured On:

Back to Top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Work with Me
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
© 2023 Rachel Cooks®
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled