Description
This No-Boil Macaroni and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic without the extra step of boiling pasta. Made by combining uncooked elbow macaroni directly with milk, chicken broth, cheeses, and seasonings, then baked in the oven until perfectly tender and golden on top, it’s a convenient and delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (16-oz) package elbow macaroni
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp onion salt
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (1% used)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package softened cream cheese, cubed (light cream cheese used)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked elbow macaroni, milk, and chicken broth. Add the flour, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese cubes, onion salt, dry mustard, and freshly ground pepper. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Ensure the pasta is well-coated and submerged in the liquid mixture for even cooking; press noodles down if needed.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened and become creamy.
- Broil for Browning: For the last 2 minutes of baking, turn your oven broiler on to brown and crisp the top layer of the mac and cheese, giving it a delicious golden crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This helps the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Ensure all pasta is submerged in the liquid mixture before baking to guarantee even cooking.
- Using light cream cheese reduces fat but maintains creaminess.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- Broiling time may vary based on your oven; keep an eye to avoid burning the topping.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd by using a bigger baking dish and adjusting time accordingly.
