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Easy One-Cheese Baked Macaroni (Weeknight, Kid & Adult Approved!)
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a bubbling dish of baked macaroni and cheese. But sometimes you just need something simple—no fuss, no long list of ingredients, just real cheesy goodness. That’s where this Super Easy One-Cheese Baked Macaroni comes in.
With just a box of pasta, a bag of sharp cheddar, and a few pantry staples, you can have a family-friendly dinner that feels special without taking all night. The stovetop prep is quick, and finishing it off in the oven gives you that golden, cheesy topping everyone loves.
Kids will devour it, adults will sneak seconds, and you’ll appreciate how fast and budget-friendly it is.
Recipe: Super Easy One-Cheese Baked Macaroni
Servings: 4–6
Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ stick (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
- Salt (for pasta water + seasoning)
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for flavor and color)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the base
- While pasta is still warm, add butter and stir until melted.
- Add about 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Assemble for baking
- Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
- Top evenly with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake
- Place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until the top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve
- Spoon into bowls or onto plates and enjoy hot!
Tips & Tricks:
- For extra creaminess, mix in a splash of milk with the cheese.
- Want a little crunch? Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
- Leftovers reheat best in the oven with a touch of extra cheese.
This baked version takes your one-cheese macaroni up a notch—crispy on top, gooey in the middle, and still super easy. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just want cozy comfort food without the effort.
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