Baked Mac and Cheese

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of Baked Mac and Cheese. Growing up, my family made this dish on special occasions, and it quickly became a staple in our home. The creamy, cheesy goodness melted in my mouth and brought smiles to everyone’s faces. I remember the anticipation as the dish baked in the oven, the aroma filling the kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it was served! Now, as an adult, I find joy in sharing this classic recipe with my friends and family, reminding me of those cherished moments. So, let’s dive into how you can create your own perfect dish of Baked Mac and Cheese that will bring everyone together.

Key Ingredients for Baked Mac and Cheese

The ingredients in Baked Mac and Cheese are simple yet essential for creating that creamy, cheesy texture we all love. The harmony between the elbow macaroni and the rich cheese sauce is what makes this dish so special. Each ingredient plays a vital role, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and comfort.

• Large Elbow Macaroni: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy cheese sauce, providing a delightful texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating a rich and smooth cheese sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce, giving it that luxurious feel.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce, making it extra indulgent.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for mac and cheese, providing sharp flavor.
• Shredded Gruyere Cheese: Adds depth and sophistication to the dish with its nutty flavor.
• Dry Mustard: A secret ingredient that enhances the cheese flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the dish.
• Panko Crumbs: Used as a topping for added crunch and texture.
• Crushed Crackers: Adds extra flavor and crunch when mixed with the cheese sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Finishes off the dish with a savory touch.

The Method for Baked Mac and Cheese

Making Baked Mac and Cheese is a straightforward process that is both rewarding and enjoyable. Just follow these steps for an incredibly cheesy dish that will impress everyone.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and set it aside. This will ensure your mac and cheese doesn’t stick.
2. Next, cook the macaroni until it’s al dente, which should take about 6 minutes. Keep in mind that it will continue to cook later in the oven, so don’t overdo it! Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This step helps stop the cooking process, ensuring your pasta maintains the perfect texture.
3. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk it quickly to avoid lumps. You’ll want to cook this mixture for about 3 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly browned, being careful not to burn it.
4. Slowly add 1 cup of the milk while whisking to combine. Continue adding the remaining milk gradually while whisking until the mixture begins to boil. This creates a wonderful base for your cheese sauce.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the cheddar cheese, all the Gruyere cheese, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth, which is the key to a creamy sauce.
6. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture, ensuring every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. For the topping, melt some more butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add in the panko and crushed crackers, stirring until they’re well coated with the butter. This will create a golden, crispy topping for your Baked Mac and Cheese.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the macaroni before adding the panko mixture.
9. Bake the Baked Mac and Cheese in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. It’s hard to resist the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
10. Finally, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Making Adjustments

When it comes to Baked Mac and Cheese, there are countless ways to adjust the recipe to your liking. Here are some tips to help you customize your dish.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze Baked Mac and Cheese before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Cooking Variations: Try adding cooked vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar and Gruyere are classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.

Perfect Matches for Baked Mac and Cheese

Serving Baked Mac and Cheese is all about creating a comforting experience that everyone will enjoy. Here are some fantastic options for pairing:

• Side Dishes: Pair this dish with a fresh garden salad or roasted asparagus to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings.
• Storage Tips: For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
• Seasonal Pairings: In winter, serve with hearty roasted vegetables. In summer, add a crunchy coleslaw to complement the creamy texture.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Baked Mac and Cheese is a timeless dish that evokes warmth and comfort. It’s a recipe that not only satisfies your cravings but also brings people together around the table. I encourage you to try making this delightful dish and share it with your loved ones. You might just create new family memories along the way!

Baked Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck gathering, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to please everyone. Don’t wait—make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Large Elbow Macaroni
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter cut into small cubes
• 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 4 cups Whole Milk
• 3 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 cups Shredded Gruyere Cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup Panko Crumbs
• 1 cup Roughly Crushed Crackers saltine or Ritz
• 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Grater
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the macaroni until al dente, about 6 minutes. Don’t overcook because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water. Drain well and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, in a large pot melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and quickly whisk. Cook for about 3 minutes, whisking frequently, or until smooth and slightly browned. Be careful not to burn the mixture. Add 1 cup of the milk and whisk until well combined and there are no lumps. Add the remaining milk and keep whisking until the mixtures starts to boil.
4. Add 3 cups cheddar cheese, all the Gruyere cheese, dry mustard, salt, and pepper and stir until cheese is melted and smooth.
5. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture. Pour evenly into the prepared pan.
6. To make the topping, in a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the panko and crushed crackers and stir until the crumbs and crackers are coated in butter. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese over the top of the macaroni and then add the panko cracker topping.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly and topping is golden brown. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Tip 1: If you don’t have Gruyere cheese, you can use all cheddar cheese.
• Tip 2: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 3: You can freeze before baking for up to three months.
• Tip 4: This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
• Tip 5: Feel free to add cooked vegetables like broccoli for extra nutrition.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.