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Easy Cast Iron Skillet Mac & Cheese

This easy cast iron skillet mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food and is a family favorite. 
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Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked mac and cheese in cast iron skillet, cast iron baked mac and cheese, cast iron mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese recipe
Servings: 8 people

Equipment

  • large pot For cooking the elbow macaroni.
  • Colander To drain the cooked macaroni.
  • Large Skillet or Saucepan For making the cheese sauce and combining it with the macaroni.
  • Whisk For whisking the butter and flour to create the roux, and for stirring the sauce to prevent lumps.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons For measuring out ingredients
  • Cheese Grater For shredding the cheese.
  • Oven-Safe Skillet or Casserole Dish To bake the mac and cheese in the oven.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups elbow macaroni cooked
  • 4 cups old cheese shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream)
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 6-8 tbsp butter
  • ⅓ cup flour all-purpose
  • to taste salt & pepper
  • ¼ cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook Macaroni: In a large pot of salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes until it's lightly golden. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
  4. Add Cream and Milk: Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
  5. Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Combine with Macaroni: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce in the skillet, stirring until the macaroni is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
  7. Top with Bread Crumbs (Optional): If desired, add bread crumbs as a topping. The best way is to melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter and add enough bread crumbs until it looks like wet sand. You can add in more recipe spices to taste. Sprinkle over the creamy mac and cheese sauce.
  8. Bake: Place the cast iron skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade mac and cheese!

Notes

  • Optional: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients like bacon, chopped herbs, or other spices to suit your taste preferences.