Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Steps

• 1 large egg, lightly {do:beat}
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese {do:shred}
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese {do:shred}

Cook the Pasta

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Boil in salted water for 7 minutes, then drain and return to the pot...

• 1 lb elbow macaroni

Mix

Stir into the macaroni...

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp kosher salt{tip:We test with Morton kosher salt. Using table salt? Use about 3/4 as much. Diamond Crystal? Use about 1 1/2 times as much.}
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cups half and half
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Note: Whole milk works in place of the half and half for a lighter mac.

Layer & Bake

Spread half the macaroni in a baking dish or cast-iron skillet, then sprinkle with...

• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Repeat with the rest of the macaroni and...

• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Bake 35 minutes. For extra color, broil 3–5 minutes at the end, until golden.