Half-and-Half Baked Macaroni with Sharp Cheddar

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and comforting baked macaroni dish made with half-and-half cream for extra creaminess and sharp cheddar cheese. This American-inspired comfort-food recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz elbow macaroni for 8 minutes until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling and fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 cups half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.
  5. Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated, then sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-and-Half Baked Macaroni with Sharp Cheddar take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-and-Half Baked Macaroni with Sharp Cheddar?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Baked Macaroni with Sharp Cheddar?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-and-Half Baked Macaroni with Sharp Cheddar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-and-Half Baked Macaroni with Sharp Cheddar?

American comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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