One-Pan Creamy Macaroni & Cheese
This One-Pan Creamy Macaroni & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that you can whip up in no time! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish eliminates the need for boiling pasta, allowing you to simply layer all the ingredients in a baking dish. Experience the delightful combination of gooey cheddar cheese and tender macaroni enveloped in a creamy sauce as it bakes in the oven. Serve it up straight from the oven for a delicious family meal that will please even the pickiest eaters. While leftovers may not be everyone's favorite, this dish is so satisfying that you'll want to savor every bite fresh out of the oven!
6
Servings
400
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Large macaroni
2 1/2 cups (uncooked)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1 pinch (to taste)
Shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups (shredded)
Milk
1 quart (whole)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, add the butter and place it in the oven until melted, about 5 minutes.
3
Once melted, remove the dish from the oven and carefully swirl the butter to coat the bottom and slightly up the sides of the dish.
4
Add the uncooked macaroni into the dish, stirring to evenly coat it with the melted butter.
5
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the macaroni and give it a gentle stir to distribute the cheese throughout.
6
Pour the milk over the top, making sure to do this evenly. Do not stir after adding the milk; it will create a creamy sauce as it bakes.
7
Transfer the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
33g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is One-Pan Creamy Macaroni & Cheese?
It is a comfort food dish that simplifies the cooking process by layering ingredients in a single baking dish and baking them without boiling the pasta first.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need to boil the macaroni before baking?
No, you use uncooked macaroni that cooks directly in the oven.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking dish.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of butter.
How do I prepare the butter in the baking dish?
Place the butter in the dish and melt it in the oven for about 5 minutes, then swirl it to coat the bottom and sides.
How much macaroni should I use?
Use 2 1/2 cups of large macaroni.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese.
How much cheese is used in the dish?
You will need 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How much milk is required?
The recipe uses 1 quart of whole milk.
Should I stir the mixture after adding the milk?
No, do not stir after adding the milk; it helps create a creamy sauce as it bakes.
How long does the macaroni and cheese bake?
It needs to bake uncovered for 1 hour.
How can I tell when the macaroni and cheese is done?
It is done when the macaroni is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
What are the calories per serving?
There are 400 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 20g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe good for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights because it eliminates the need for boiling pasta.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it is a family meal that is likely to please even the pickiest eaters.
Are leftovers as good as the fresh dish?
While leftovers may not be everyone's favorite, the dish is most satisfying when eaten fresh out of the oven.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: butter, macaroni, salt, black pepper, cheddar cheese, and milk.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe specifies using whole milk.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered.
How do I incorporate the macaroni into the butter?
Add the uncooked macaroni to the melted butter and stir to coat it evenly.
When do I add the cheese?
Sprinkle the cheese over the macaroni and give it a gentle stir before adding the milk.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
Is black pepper included in this recipe?
Yes, a pinch of black pepper is added to taste.
What makes this a 'one-pan' dish?
It is called a one-pan dish because all ingredients are prepared and baked in a single 9x13 inch baking dish.