Name: Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided; 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1/2 cup Bisquick; 2 1/4 cups milk; 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce; 2 eggs; Paprika; Parsley

Description

This EASY Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy cheddar cheese, tender elbow macaroni, and a custard-like Bisquick and milk mixture that bakes into a comforting, cheesy casserole. Perfect for a family meal, it’s simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and yields a deliciously cheesy dish topped with a golden layer of melted cheddar.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
1/2 cup Bisquick
2 1/4 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce
2 eggs

Optional Garnishes

Paprika
Parsley

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
Prepare Dish and Layer Macaroni: Spray a glass pie plate with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the uncooked elbow macaroni inside the pie plate. Then, sprinkle 1¾ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the macaroni.
Mix Custard and Pour: In a medium bowl, combine the Bisquick, milk, Tabasco sauce, and eggs. Use a fork to blend the mixture thoroughly until smooth. Pour this custard mixture carefully over the macaroni and cheese in the pie plate.
Cover and Bake: Prepare a piece of foil larger than the pie plate and spray the side that will be down with cooking spray. Cover the pie plate with the sprayed foil, ensuring it’s sealed. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to cook the macaroni evenly.
Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil cover and bake uncovered for another 8-10 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife near the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top along with optional paprika and parsley. Return to oven and bake for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Rest Before Serving: Let the mac and cheese stand for 5 minutes after baking. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar cheese for a tangier flavor.
Tabasco can be adjusted or omitted for less heat.
Using a glass pie plate ensures even baking and browning.
The cooking spray on the foil prevents cheese from sticking to it.
Resting after baking improves slicing and serving texture.