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Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 68 reviews

This creamy and indulgent baked mac and cheese features elbow macaroni cooked directly in heavy cream with American cheese in the center, baked until bubbly and finished with sharp cheddar for a rich, gooey texture. Perfect comfort food made easy in one pan.

Ingredients

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
  • 16 oz American cheese (block)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Liquids and Fats

  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

Seasonings

  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients for this viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
  3. Arrange Pasta and Cheese: Place the block of American cheese in the center of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour the elbow macaroni around the cheese block evenly.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the heavy cream over the pasta, ensuring the noodles are covered. Add the water, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture.
  5. Add Butter: Place a tablespoon of unsalted butter in each corner of the baking dish for creaminess and browning.
  6. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove Foil and Add Cheddar: After baking, carefully remove the foil. Add half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir thoroughly to combine.
  8. Finish with More Cheese: Add the remaining cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese fully melts and the dish becomes creamy and cohesive. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute American cheese with Velveeta for a similarly creamy texture.
  • Using a block of cheese in the center helps create a rich cheese sauce as it melts during baking.
  • Covering with foil ensures the macaroni cooks evenly and prevents the top from drying out.
  • For added flavor, consider topping with breadcrumbs and broiling for a few minutes after baking.
  • This recipe is very rich and creamy; use whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Make sure to stir well after baking to distribute the cheeses evenly.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/easy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/