Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | Creamy & Delicious

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while processed cheese is more affordable.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + powdered milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while the powdered milk is a cost-effective alternative.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories, while pecorino is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier for cooking, while margarine is a cheaper fat option.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until bubbling.

Gradually add heavy whipping cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.

Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to combine.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle seasoned salt and Old Bay seasoning over the mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens