This oven-baked Amish-style half and half macaroni is the kind of practical, comforting casserole that earns a regular place in a busy cook’s rotation. It relies on just a few pantry and dairy staples, with dry bucatini soaking up rich half and half right in the pan as it bakes, creating a creamy, homey pasta dish with very little hands-on work. The method reflects the straightforward spirit of Amish cooking, where simple ingredients are used thoughtfully to make satisfying meals for the table.
Serve this with a crisp green salad, buttered peas, roasted broccoli, or sliced tomatoes to balance the richness of the pasta. It also pairs nicely with baked ham, simple meatloaf, or roast chicken if you want to stretch it into a larger supper, though it’s hearty enough to stand on its own with a little black pepper and a spoonful of stewed vegetables on the side.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Half and Half Macaroni
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces dry bucatini, broken in half
3 cups fresh half and half
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 10- to 12-inch cast iron baking pan or oven-safe skillet.
2. Scatter the broken dry bucatini evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the salt over the pasta, then add the shredded cheddar cheese as evenly as possible.
3. Pour the half and half slowly over the pasta mixture, making sure most of the bucatini is moistened. Press the pasta down gently with a spoon or spatula so it settles into the liquid.
4. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, stir gently to help separate the pasta, then return the pan to the oven uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the bucatini is tender and the top is lightly golden.
5. Let the macaroni rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly. Spoon onto plates or serve straight from the pan.
Variations & Tips
Add a browned top: For a more pronounced crust, sprinkle an extra small handful of cheddar over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This gives the casserole a little more color and a classic baked macaroni finish.
Use another long pasta: If bucatini is hard to find, spaghetti or broken linguine can work, though bucatini’s hollow center helps it absorb the dairy especially well. Be sure the pasta is arranged in an even layer so it softens at the same rate.
Adjust the texture: If your pasta still seems too firm after the initial baking time, add a splash more half and half, cover again, and bake a bit longer. Oven-safe cast iron pans can vary in depth and heat retention, so a few extra minutes may be all it needs.
Season simply: This recipe is intentionally plain and comforting, but a pinch of black pepper, dry mustard, or paprika can be added if you want a little more character without changing its old-fashioned feel.