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Macaroni and cheese in tan dish with scoop out
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4.84 from 18 votes

Easy Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese (With Shortcuts)

Easy Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese has a secret ingredient so you don't have to make a white sauce! Enjoy creamy, baked macaroni and cheese goodness with pre-shredded Cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time42 minutes
Total Time52 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 444kcal
Cost: 12

Equipment

  • baking dish

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni 1 3/4 cups uncooked
  • 16 saltine crackers 1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons
  • 1 12-oz package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (or block to hand shred)
  • 1 12-oz package shredded Colby Jack cheese (or block to hand shred)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups whipping cream
  • 1 cup half and half or whole milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325˚.
  • Cook macaroni in salted boiling water 7 minutes and drain. (It will continue to cook more in oven.)
  • Meanwhile, crush saltines in a large zip-top bag.
  • Layer one-third each of macaroni, crackers, and cheese in a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish, ending with cheese. Repeat layers twice.
  • With a whisk, light beat eggs in a large bowl; gradually whisk in whipping cream and half and half or milk, salt, garlic powder and pepper, if using; pour over layered macaroni mixture. Bake, uncovered, 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly around the edges and lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead Tips: Easy Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese can be made ahead. Cook macaroni and toss with 1 teaspoon olive oil and let cool; place in refrigerator until ready to layer casserole.
Completely bake the mac and cheese; cover and refrigerate. To reheat, bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or just until thoroughly heated.
3 cups half and half can be substituted for  2 cups whipping cream + 1 cup half and half.
You can buy blocks of cheese and shred your own. It's actually less expensive and melts faster. Pre-shredded does save time, though.

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcal