Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that brings the beloved flavors of macaroni and cheese into a simple, all-in-one recipe. It combines creamy cheese sauce with tender macaroni pasta, all baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need a quick meal that satisfies your cheese cravings.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese is a great choice because it is easy, quick, and uses simple ingredients you might already have at home. You only need one pot, which means less cleanup afterward! This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to use different types of cheese or add your favorite extras. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp flour
- 3 cups of milk (full or low fat – I used low fat)
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tsp salt (Note 1)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 lb / 250g dried macaroni (elbow pasta) (Note 2)
- 2 cups (150g / 5oz) grated tasty or cheddar cheese (or any sharp, flavored cheese that melts well)
- 1 cup (75g / 2.5 oz) grated provolone dolce cheese (or mozzarella or other mild flavored good melting cheese) (Note 3)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or ordinary breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- Melt the butter in a deep fry pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir until a thick paste (roux) forms. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Add half of the milk and whisk to dissolve the roux. It will thicken quickly. Add the remaining milk and whisk until smooth.
- Add the water, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Turn the heat up to medium-high and whisk until the mixture starts to steam and thicken (around 2 to 3 minutes).
- Add the macaroni, turn the heat down to medium, and gently stir for 1 minute. Don’t cook it longer than this; it will affect the “sauciness” of the dish.
- Cover the fry pan and transfer it immediately to the oven on the middle shelf.
- Bake for 12 minutes. The sauce may seem too thin, but it will thicken later. The pasta should be just cooked (al dente) and will continue cooking from the residual heat.
- Turn off the oven and switch on the grill/broiler to high.
- Stir through the cheese to melt it and thicken the sauce. Don’t stir too much to avoid thickening the sauce excessively.
- Sprinkle the panko and parmesan cheese on top, then place under the grill/broiler for a few minutes to brown.
- Remove from the grill/broiler and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese
Serve your Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese hot from the oven. You can garnish it with finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
How to Store Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers, let the macaroni cheese cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese
- Be careful not to overcook the macaroni before baking, as it continues to cook in the oven.
- You can experiment with different types of cheeses according to your taste preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. For a protein boost, try adding cooked chicken, bacon, or vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the mix before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta shape like penne or shells for this recipe.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it just before serving.
3. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Ordinary breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for panko. They will provide a nice topping as well.
With this simple recipe, making a delightful Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese is easy! Enjoy the cheesy goodness with family and friends.
Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
For the Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk (full or low fat) I used low fat
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt Note 1
- black pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Cheese
- ½ lb dried macaroni (elbow pasta) Note 2
- 2 cups grated tasty or cheddar cheese or any sharp, flavored cheese that melts well
- 1 cup grated provolone dolce cheese or mozzarella or other mild flavored good melting cheese
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs or ordinary breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- Melt the butter in a deep fry pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir until a thick paste (roux) forms. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Add half of the milk and whisk to dissolve the roux. It will thicken quickly.
- Add the remaining milk and whisk until smooth.
- Add the water, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Turn the heat up to medium-high and whisk until the mixture starts to steam and thicken (around 2 to 3 minutes).
- Add the macaroni, turn the heat down to medium, and gently stir for 1 minute.
- Cover the fry pan and transfer it immediately to the oven on the middle shelf.
- Bake for 12 minutes. The sauce may seem too thin, but it will thicken later.
- The pasta should be just cooked (al dente) and will continue cooking from the residual heat.
Finishing
- Turn off the oven and switch on the grill/broiler to high.
- Stir through the cheese to melt it and thicken the sauce. Don’t stir too much to avoid thickening the sauce excessively.
- Sprinkle the panko and parmesan cheese on top, then place under the grill/broiler for a few minutes to brown.
- Remove from the grill/broiler and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
