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Easy 5-Ingredient Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Easy 5-Ingredient Baked Mac and Cheese

A creamy, bubbling baked macaroni and cheese made with only pasta, butter, flour, milk, and mature cheddar. The simple roux-based sauce gives the dish a rich texture and a golden, cheesy top.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 250 g Macaroni or elbow pasta
  • 50 g Butter
  • 50 g Plain/all-purpose flour
  • 500 ml Milk
  • 250 g Mature or sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 200°C conventional, 180°C fan, or 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish so the finished macaroni and cheese is easy to serve.
  2. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water for 8–10 minutes, or until just al dente. Drain it thoroughly because excess water can weaken the cheese sauce.
  3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk, adding it slowly while stirring to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and reaches a gentle simmer.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in most of the grated cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  7. Scatter the remaining cheddar over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden.

Notes

Use mature or sharp cheddar for stronger flavor. Keep the pasta slightly underdone before baking, drain it well, and allow the baked dish to rest briefly before serving.