Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese
Introduction
Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that many of us adore. With its creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply having a cozy night in, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Baked Mac and Cheese at home is not only easy but also allows you to customize the flavors according to your taste. You can choose your favorite cheeses, add some spices, or even throw in some vegetables for extra nutrition. Plus, nothing beats the smell of a cheesy dish baking in the oven. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight dinner.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Creating the perfect Baked Mac and Cheese is simple. Follow these steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a delightful dish ready to serve.
Ingredients:
- 250g / 8 oz macaroni (elbow pasta)
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter (or 2 tsp oil)
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 3 cups milk (warmed)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (gruyere best, followed by cheddar and Colby)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or more cheese of choice)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Directions:
-
Pasta:
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add macaroni and cook per packet directions minus 1 minute.
- Toss in butter: Drain, return pasta to pot, add butter and toss until melted. Set aside to cool while making the sauce.
-
Topping:
- Mix together topping (panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and salt). Set aside.
-
Sauce:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Make roux: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Add milk: Gradually add about 1 cup of warmed milk, mixing until smooth. Then stir in the remaining milk until lump-free.
- Add seasonings: Mix in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.
- Thicken sauce: Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheese: Remove from stove and stir in the shredded cheese until well combined.
-
Assembling:
- Assemble: Pour sauce into the pot with macaroni. Stir quickly, then pour it into a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is light golden.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese is best served hot and fresh from the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or a piece of crusty bread.
How to Store Baked Mac and Cheese
To store leftovers, let Baked Mac and Cheese cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Tips to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
- Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be slightly underdone since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- For a crispy topping, broil for the last few minutes of baking.
Variation
You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach to make it healthier. You may also add cooked bacon or ham for an extra savory flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking stage and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
2. Can I freeze Baked Mac and Cheese?
Yes, it freezes well. Make sure to cover it tightly before freezing, and it can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
3. What cheese can I use for Baked Mac and Cheese?
Gruyere, cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well can be used. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Enjoy your delicious Baked Mac and Cheese!
Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250 g macaroni (elbow pasta)
Butter and Oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (or 2 tsp oil)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter For the sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) For the topping
Cheeses
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (gruyere best, followed by cheddar and Colby)
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese Or more cheese of choice
Breadcrumb Topping
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 tsp salt
Sauce Seasonings
- 1/3 cup flour (plain / all-purpose)
- 3 cups milk (warmed)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil.
- Add macaroni and cook per packet directions minus 1 minute.
- Drain, return pasta to pot, add butter and toss until melted. Set aside to cool while making the sauce.
Topping
- Mix together topping (panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and salt). Set aside.
Sauce
- Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Gradually add about 1 cup of warmed milk, mixing until smooth. Then stir in the remaining milk until lump-free.
- Mix in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.
- Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from stove and stir in the shredded cheese until well combined.
Assembling
- Pour sauce into the pot with macaroni. Stir quickly, then pour it into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is light golden.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
