Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Excuse me while I dive face first into this cheesy pasta.
So you all remember your childhood Mac and Cheese? I'm not going to name any names here, but it's the kind of Mac and Cheese that you get in a box with the weird colored powdered cheese? The one that Wikipedia names a contender as the Canadian national food. (You know I'm proud to be Canadian when..)
Well you can throw those boxes away. This is the Mac and Cheese recipe to end all Mac and Cheese recipes.
I actually made this Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe a long time ago. Like a loooonnngg time ago, back in the beginning of January. When everyone was on a diet, and was vowing to eat healthy and all that good stuff... there I was making the most heart-attack inducing macaroni and cheese recipe. Way to go my resolutions.
So I decided to hold off on the recipe until most people give up their resolutions. Beginning of February? Yeah, I am seeing less people at the gym (including me). Time to pull out the old cheese casserole, featuring pasta. Aka: this Mac and Cheese.
What you need to make Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- elbow macaroni
- butter
- evaporated milk
- milk
- eggs
- garlic salt
- cheddar cheese
- mozarella cheese
- paprika
We are also rounding the corner to Valentine's Day, which means that you might want to start thinking of meals to make your significant other. And my advice to you is: the way into anyone's heart is through cheese. This is certainly true for me.
Usually my fridge is stocked with at least 5 different types of cheeses. At this point in time, we just got back from a long holiday and I only had two types: cheddar and mozzarella. Making a quick and easy mac and cheese? Put in ALL THE CHEESE!! Which means the only two I have on hand.
Even though this Baked Macaroni and Cheese was so good I'm still thinking about it, this will not be a recipe I make all that often. First: let me break this down as a math teacher. Cheese > Pasta. Which, to be honest, isn't really a bad thing in a mac and cheese recipe. But then again, probably not a good thing for an everyday meal. And secondly... have you seen the ingredients list? Definitely a special occasions side dish.
Wednesdays are a special occasion..right?
If you wanted a stovetop version, try my Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese.
And if you try this recipe, let me know! Rate it, leave a comment and tag me with #atasteofmadness on Instagram! I always love seeing what you are creating!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoon salted butter
- 2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup milk of choice
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Add in the butter and stir until the butter is melted. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the evaporated milk, milk, eggs and garlic salt until fully combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the cheeses.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Layer ⅓ of the macaroni, then ⅓ of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture. Pour the milk mixture over top. Sprinkle the paprika evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
How many blocks of cheese do you use since you said you shred your own?
I like to use Cracker Barrel block cheese,
I buy huge blocks of cheese from Costco, so I don't use more than one. But if your blocks of cheese are smaller, then I may buy a couple just to be safe.
Any substitute for canned condensed milk? Would almond milk work?
You can use almond milk but it won't be as rich and creamy!
I made this Mac & Cheese yesterday for Sunday Dinner. It was so good and so easy to make. Love the crusty cheesy topping. I didn't have mozzarella so I substituted half gouda and half pepper jack. Worked out great! Next time, I'll add a little more sharp cheddar. This one is definitely a keeper!
Thanks!
I am so glad you liked it! Your modifications sound amazing too 🙂
This was delicious! I add a little extra spice and put paprika in egg mix in addition to on top and less noodles 2 1/3 cup.A I'm not a mac and cheese fan but this was great.
That makes me so happy to hear! Glad you liked it 🙂
Hi, I hope this isn’t a dumb question. How do you measure the cheese? Is it 4 cups of cheddar and then shredded or 4 shredded cups of cheese? And is the cheese packed or loose when measuring?
Thanks so much!
Not a dumb question at all!!
4 cups of cheese that is already shredded. And the cheese is not packed, more loose than anything.
Hope it works out!!
I made this today & it was amazingggg. I put a little less milk because people were saying it was runny & it came out perfect. I could eat the whole pan 😍
Yay!! I am so glad you liked it 🙂
Very Very Good! I did cut the recipe in half and used a round dish it had a little too much liquid. I will adjust next time. Thanks for sharing this
I am glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment 🙂
This recipe is great! I finally found one that is easy and tastes as good as your pictures looks! Thanks so much for sharing it. I made this yesterday and really happy with it.
Yay! That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks Darlene 🙂
Can we omit the eggs? Or use 1 instead of 2? Would it mess up the recipe if we didn’t use eggs? Thank you!
I have never tried it without eggs, but I think you may have success if you use only 1.
I forgot, Also.. what type of cheddar do you use, regular? Or mild medium or cheddar? 🙂
Thank you!!
Usually I use sharp cheddar or medium.
Hi
planning on making this tonight! Can you use heavy whipping cream in place of the 1/3 cup of milk?
thanks!
Yes that would work well!!
BEST MAC & CHEESE RECIPIE I'VE EVER MADE!! Super simple and easy but really delicious. I never leave ratings but I hust had to. A must-try!
This makes me so happy! I am so glad you liked it!! 🙂
My favorite go to recipe. My family loved this cheesey Mac and cheese!!! Thanks for sharing your recipe!!!!
Yay! I am so glad you and your family love it 🙂
Sounds amazing! Do you use pre shredded cheese or shred it yourself?
Thanks!
I shred it myself, but you can definitely use pre shredded cheese
Hello! The recipe calls for dry macaroni but the instructions say to cook al dente. Do I boil the pasta first? I wanted to make this Christmas Eve as a side dish, but I work late that day. The night before, I was going to cook the pasta, mix everything, and put it in the fridge so my husband can just put it in the oven for me the following day. Do you think the pasta will get mushy that way? Thank you!
Yes, cook the pasta first.
I have had some readers do that and they say it turned out well, however I have never tried it that way.