Skillet Baked Mac and Cheese

This Skillet Baked Mac and Cheese with crunchy buttery topping is such a crave-worthy dish! Homemade macaroni and cheese has never been this delicious!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword baked mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe, best baked mac and cheese, creamy baked mac and cheese, easy baked mac and cheese, homemade baked mac and cheese, how to make baked mac and cheese

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 489kcal

Author Jenny

Cost $8

Equipment

Oven
cast iron skillet
measuring cups
measuring spoons
saucepan
mixing spoon
strainer

Ingredients

3/4 pound dry elbow pasta
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 cups whole milk
3 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded and divided
1 cup finely crushed Ritz Crackers
12 strips cooked crumbled bacon pieces

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Cook pasta according to package directions. I recommend cooking the pasta a minute less than the directions. Drain and set aside for a few minutes.
To prepare roux, melt butter into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted whisk in flour, salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until color of roux gets slightly darker. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring continuously until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in 2 cups of cheese until melted.
Transfer cooked pasta to 12-inch cast iron skillet over low heat. Pour cheese sauce over top, stirring to combine.
Top mac and cheese with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese, crushed crackers and bacon pieces. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and hot. Serve warm.

Nutrition