Oven Baked 5-Ingredient No-Boil Mac and Cheese

Introduction

Mac and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods, and this easy oven-baked version keeps things wonderfully simple. With just five pantry-friendly ingredients and no need to boil the pasta beforehand, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a creamy, cheesy casserole without extra steps. Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup just as easy as prep.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 ½ cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. In the prepared dish, add the uncooked macaroni.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and cheddar cheese soup until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture over the macaroni and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
7. Remove the foil, stir gently, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.

Description

This no-boil baked mac and cheese comes out rich, creamy, and satisfying, with tender pasta that absorbs all the cheesy sauce as it cooks. The top forms a lightly golden crust while the inside stays velvety and soft. It’s a simple homemade dish that tastes like classic family-style comfort cooking.

Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce slightly grainy.
• Make sure the foil is sealed well so the pasta steams properly while baking.
• Stir once during baking if you notice dry spots on top.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking improves the texture and helps it set.

Variations

• Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
• Mix in diced ham for a heartier meal.
• Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before the final bake for a crispy topping.
• Add a pinch of paprika or mustard powder for a deeper cheese flavor.

Correction

For best results, make sure there is enough liquid to fully cover most of the pasta before baking. If your macaroni seems dry halfway through cooking, add an extra ¼ cup of warm milk and stir. Oven temperatures vary, so some batches may need an additional 5–10 minutes for the pasta to become fully tender.

Enjoy

Serve this warm with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for an easy meal, or enjoy it as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled meats. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that turns basic ingredients into a creamy, cheesy favorite.