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One Pot Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners and potlucks, made all in one pot for easy cleanup.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese
  • 8 oz macaroni
  • 2 cups cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • 2 cups milk
Sauce Base
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Topping
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the topping)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook until the mixture thickens.
  5. Add in cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese is melted.
  6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and paprika, then sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Serving
  1. Serve hot and enjoy your one pot baked macaroni and cheese!

Notes

For added flavor, serve with a sprinkle of parsley or more cheese on top. It pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. To store leftovers, allow the macaroni and cheese to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.