Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake Recipe for Crowd 5-Ingredient Potluck Comfort Food
A simple, comforting cheesy pasta bake made with just five main ingredients, perfect for feeding a crowd at potlucks or casual gatherings. Ready in under 45 minutes with a golden, bubbly top and creamy cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite small pasta shape), cooked al dente
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 8 ounces or 225 grams)
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (360 ml)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (45 grams)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24 grams)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of unsalted butter over medium heat, about 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons (24 grams) of all-purpose flour and keep whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells slightly nutty.
- Gradually pour in 1 ½ cups (360 ml) of whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 cups (225 grams) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour the cooked pasta into a large pot or mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently fold to combine.
- Spoon the cheesy pasta mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook pasta initially; keep it al dente as it will cook further in the oven. Stir the cheese sauce continuously to prevent lumps and burning. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking. Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor or mix with mozzarella for extra meltiness. Pre-shredded cheese may cause grainy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 15
Keywords: cheesy pasta bake, easy pasta bake, potluck recipe, comfort food, 5-ingredient recipe, crowd-pleaser, baked macaroni and cheese