Baked Macaroni and Cheese

(185)
Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
4

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is definitely a kid-friendly choice, but adults will likely enjoy it, too.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter, plus more for baking dishes

  • ¼ cup store-bought or ¾ cup homemade breadcrumbs

  • 1 pound grated white cheddar cheese (4 cups)

  • Salt and pepper

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni

  • 1 ¼ cups whole milk

  • 8 ounces cream cheese

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter four 14-ounce ovenproof dishes. In a small bowl, toss 1 tablespoon melted butter with breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup cheddar.

  2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions; drain.

  3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring milk to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; add cream cheese, cut into cubes, stir until melted, 2 minutes. Gradually stir in remaining cheddar until melted, 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to combine.

  4. Divide the mixture among prepared dishes. Bake until bubbling, 10 minutes. Remove from the oven; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until golden, 10 minutes more.

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Originally appeared: Everyday Food, May/June 2003

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