No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese Recipe

If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and downright delicious pasta dish without the fuss of boiling pasta separately, this No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese is your new best friend. This recipe combines the cheesy goodness of sharp cheddar with a simple, smooth sauce made from Campbell’s® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup and just enough milk to create a baked mac and cheese casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The beauty lies in its ease — no boiling required and a crisp, buttery panko topping that adds that perfect contrasting crunch. Get ready to fall in love with this approachable, cheesy marvel that’s ideal for busy weeknights or any time you crave classic comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet crucial for the creamy richness and satisfying texture of the dish. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor and ensuring your No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese comes out perfectly every time.

• Campbell’s® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): This creates the velvety cheese base, infusing the mac and cheese with bold cheddar flavor while keeping preparation easy.
• Reduced fat (2%) milk (3 cups): Provides just the right creaminess to the sauce without making it heavy or greasy.
• Uncooked elbow macaroni (8 ounces, about 2 cups): These classic macaroni noodles cook right in the sauce as the dish bakes, soaking up that cheesy goodness.
• Shredded Cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, about 6 ounces): Adds an extra punch of cheddar flavor and gives the sauce a luscious texture that’s hard to resist.
• Cracked black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle kick and depth that balances the rich cheese perfectly.
• Plain panko (1/2 cup): Provides a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy noodles underneath.
• Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Tossed with the panko, it ensures the topping browns to irresistible perfection.

How to Make No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce and Pasta

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your baking dish—ideally a 13x9x2-inch one—well with vegetable spray. This vessel size is key to achieving the perfect macaroni texture without any sogginess or dryness. Pour those two cans of Campbell’s® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup into the dish, then slowly whisk in the 3 cups of milk. This mixture transforms into the creamy cheese sauce as it bakes, so whisk gently until smooth. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, and cracked black pepper. Cover the dish tightly with foil so the pasta steams and cooks evenly while soaking up every bit of cheesy sauce magic.

Step 2: Bake Until the Pasta is Tender

Pop the foil-covered dish onto the middle rack of your oven and bake for 50 minutes. This is where the magic happens: the noodles soften perfectly inside the creamy sauce without ever being boiled beforehand. When time’s up, carefully remove the foil and give the mac and cheese a good stir to combine all that cheesy goodness. Now crank your oven temperature up to 400°F to get ready for the final crispy topping.

Step 3: Add the Crispy Panko Topping

Combine your panko breadcrumbs and the melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of your mac and cheese. This step is the crowning glory, producing a golden crust full of buttery crunch. Return the dish to the oven on the upper rack and bake for another 5 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown. If your baking dish can handle the broiler, you can switch to broil for 2-3 minutes for an even crispier topping, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Once baked, let your dish stand for 5 minutes before serving — this resting time helps the sauce thicken up just right and makes serving easier.

How to Serve No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

While this dish is spectacular on its own, adding garnishes can elevate every bite. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a bright, herby pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper can add a touch of warmth and complexity. For a fun twist, try sprinkling a handful of crispy cooked bacon bits or diced green onions on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

The creamy, cheesy No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese pairs beautifully with lighter, fresh sides to balance the indulgence. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette keeps things bright and refreshing. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts provide a satisfying texture contrast and add some wholesome crunch. For a heartier meal, serve alongside tender grilled chicken or pan-seared pork chops — both soak up the savory sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy about letting this crowd-pleaser shine as the star of your meal presentation. Serve the No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese in individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls for a charming personal touch that makes every guest feel special. Or layer it in a casserole dish with slices of tomato or ham for a fancy twist. To impress friends at a potluck, garnish with edible flowers and fresh herbs for a colorful, inviting look that tastes as good as it appears.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though this recipe rarely lasts long!), no worries. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting a bit, making each bite just as comforting the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese to enjoy later. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might soften slightly after freezing, but the cheesy flavor remains vibrant and satisfying.

Reheating

For reheating, the oven works best to restore that creamy texture and crisp topping. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you want to bring back the crunchy topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but may result in a softer topping and uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional and works perfectly here, other small, sturdy pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or mini rigatoni can also be used. Just make sure your baking dish is appropriately sized, as different pastas might absorb sauce differently and affect cooking time slightly.

Do I need to boil the pasta before baking?

No. The best part about this No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese is that the uncooked pasta bakes right in the sauce, absorbing all the cheesy flavors while cooking, which saves time and effort without sacrificing taste or texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This classic recipe relies heavily on dairy and the Campbell’s® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup, which is not vegan or dairy-free. However, you could experiment by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and a vegan cheese soup substitute, but be prepared for a different taste and texture experience.

What if I undercook or overcook the pasta?

Because the pasta cooks in the sauce in the oven, it’s important to bake it long enough for tender noodles but not so long that they become mushy. If it’s undercooked, simply cover and bake a bit longer. Overcooking usually means the pasta becomes too soft or the sauce dries out, so stick closely to the recommended baking times.

Can I add extra ingredients to the mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Mix in cooked vegetables like peas or broccoli for added nutrients, or stir in cooked bacon or sausage for a savory boost. Just be mindful that adding liquid-rich ingredients might affect baking time slightly, so adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese recipe is truly a game-changer in the world of comfort food: simple, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, all without the usual noodle-boiling hassle. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something hearty and satisfying on the table fast, or for sharing with loved ones during cozy family dinners. I encourage you to give this delightful baked mac and cheese a try — it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine!

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