Skillet Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy, Cheesy & Easy Recipe
Cheesy Skillet Delight: Ultimate Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the ingredients.
- In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn a light, golden brown. Season with a pinch of salt, then transfer them to a bowl. (Don't worry if a stray crumb stays in the skillet—it's all part of the charm!)
- Place the dry pasta in a large bowl and cover with hot tap water. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, then drain well, shaking off any excess water.
- Return the now-clean skillet to the stove over medium-high heat and melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Gradually add milk in 1/2 cup increments, whisking after each addition until the mixture is silky and lump-free. Season with the kosher salt, several grinds of black pepper, a dash of cayenne, and a hint of nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken; then, turn off the heat.
- On your grating board, mix your three favorite grated cheeses. Reserve about 2/3 cup of this cheese blend. Stir the remaining cheeses into your warm sauce until they melt into a luscious, smooth mixture. Taste and adjust your seasonings if needed, then fold in the drained pasta until every piece is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly over the pasta, then top with the toasted breadcrumbs. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for around 30 minutes. For even more golden-brown topping, finish with a quick 1-minute session under the broiler if desired.
- Allow the skillet to rest for 2 to 3 minutes after baking so the flavors meld together perfectly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Experience a reinvented classic with our Cheesy Skillet Delight. This ultimate baked macaroni and cheese recipe boasts a velvety cheese sauce paired with perfectly tender pasta and a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping—all served straight from your trusty skillet. It’s comfort food elevated to new heights!
Cooking Directions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Toast the Breadcrumbs
In your 10-inch ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in the breadcrumbs and stir continuously until they turn a lovely light golden brown. Season lightly with salt, then remove the toasted crumbs and set them aside. (A stray crumb left behind only adds to its rustic appeal!)
Step 3: Pre-soak the Pasta
Place your uncooked pasta in a large bowl and cover with hot tap water. Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly, shaking off extra water to ensure a perfect texture.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Reheat the skillet over medium-high heat and melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. Gradually stir in the milk, adding 1/2 cup at a time and whisking until no lumps remain. Season the sauce with 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, plenty of freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, and a dash of nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken for 2-3 minutes before turning off the heat.
Step 5: Blend in the Cheeses
On your grating board, combine your three grated cheeses, reserving about 2/3 cup of the blend. Stir the remaining cheeses into the warm sauce until they melt into a creamy mixture. Adjust the seasoning to taste and gently fold in the drained pasta until evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the pasta, then evenly distribute the toasted breadcrumbs on top. Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes. If you like a deeper golden finish, give it a quick 1-minute broil right at the end.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This short pause allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Scoop out a generous portion and serve while warm.