Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. With its creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a dish that both kids and adults love. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

To make a delicious baked mac and cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 pound elbow macaroni

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 4 cups milk

– 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– 1 cup breadcrumbs

Steps

Follow these steps to make the perfect baked mac and cheese:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.

4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.

7. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Variations

While the classic baked mac and cheese is delicious on its own, you can also try some variations to add a twist to the recipe:

– Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a savory twist.

– Stir in some sautéed onions and garlic for extra flavor.

– Mix in cooked broccoli or peas to add some veggies to your dish.

– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor profile.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the best baked mac and cheese:

– Cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

– Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex and flavorful sauce.

– For a crispy breadcrumb topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling over the macaroni.

– Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set before serving.

Conclusion

Baked Mac and Cheese is a timeless dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With its creamy cheese sauce and golden breadcrumb topping, it’s a favorite among both kids and adults. By following this recipe and adding your own personal touch, you can create a delicious and memorable dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

FAQs

Q: Can I make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the preheated oven as directed.

Q: Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?

A: Yes, you can freeze baked mac and cheese. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta for baked mac and cheese?

A: While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for baked mac and cheese, you can use other types of pasta such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make a gluten-free version of baked mac and cheese?

A: Yes, you can use gluten-free macaroni and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Make sure to check all other ingredients for gluten-containing additives.

Servings

Prep time

15 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

Calories

600 kcal

Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food with creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping that is loved by both kids and adults.

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Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, whisk constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
Pour in milk gradually while whisking constantly. Cook and whisk until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce, stir well, transfer to the baking dish.
Combine breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!