This Oven-baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a favorite among Southern Plate readers and it’s easy to see why. You need just a short list of ingredients to make this easy-baked macaroni and cheese dish the whole family will love.

It’s a requirement that all Americans love classic baked macaroni and cheese in some form, at some point in their lives. And I’m no different. Growing up, my mother made a creamy homemade mac and cheese with a sauce that was smooth as silk and permeated every particle of perfectly cooked macaroni. It was my brother’s favorite comfort food, so she usually made it every Sunday.

As kids we all became well acquainted with the boxed stuff, thrilling over the marvel and convenience of the powdery sauce which combined with milk to deliver the ideal after-school snack for busy families.

Now as an adult I’ve found that if I have a few extra minutes, homemade Macaroni and Cheese really does taste about 1000x better and everyone in the family prefers it.

This delicious oven-baked Mac and Cheese is super simple and easy to make. All you need is 5 ingredients — well six or seven if you count the salt and pepper 🙂 — and after about an hour, your macaroni and cheese will be ready. These Easy Baby Back Ribs in Oven and The Best Coleslaw additions would help make this the perfect meal.

I’d recommend watching my quick tutorial video above so that you can get a lay of the land with this recipe.

Okay now I bet you’re REALLY hungry so let’s get started!

Recipe Ingredients

Cheddar cheese
Plain flour
Macaroni pasta
Butter
Milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Simple ingredients = an amazing oven-baked mac and cheese recipe!

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Make Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese

Cook the pasta until tender and then drain it.

Mix all of the dry ingredients together.

Mix all of the dry ingredients together and then set them aside.

Place half of the macaroni in a casserole dish.

Spray an oven-safe bowl or dish with cooking spray. Place half of the cooked macaroni inside.

Sprinkle half of flour mixture over the pasta.

Sprinkle half of the flour mixture over the top.

Top with butter slices.

Then top it with half of the butter slices.

Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Sprinkle 1+1/2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.

Repeat layering process to make oven-baked mac and cheese.

Repeat the layering process again.

Pour milk over entire mac and cheese casserole.

Pour milk over the entire macaroni and cheese casserole.

Cover casserole with foil and bake.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Oven-baked mac and cheese.

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Serving the baked mac and cheese.

Everything I’ve ever wanted in oven-baked mac and cheese is pictured right there!

A lot of people view this as a side dish but I confess, it’s been the entire meal in our house on more than one occasion.

At this point, my son came in and said “Ma, when is the macaroni and cheese gonna be done?”.

I showed him this and his eyes got “big as dollars” as my grandmother would say!

Oh, to be a kid again :).

Storage

Store mac and cheese leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave.

Recipe Notes

You can definitely make this oven-baked mac and cheese recipe your own. Here are some ideas:
- Add shredded chicken or cooked bacon.
- Need some vegetables? Add sautéed onion and/or finely chopped bell pepper.
- Add the dried herbs of your choice, such as onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika for heat.
As I said, I totally serve this as a main dish and my family doesn’t complain! But if you serve it as a side dish, it goes great with Southern favorites like fried chicken and pulled pork.
Need to top your Southern oven-baked mac and cheese with a crumbly topping? Sprinkle on some panko breadcrumbs and you’re good to go!
You can use any grated cheese you like (just not pre-shredded cheese!). I like sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese combined.