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Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Baked Mac And Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese is a delicious comfort food made easy. This cheesy, creamy dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends.

Hello, friend! You’re about to discover the ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. This isn’t your average mac and cheese; it’s a cheesy combination of flavors, with a crispy golden top and a creamy, gooey center.

This dish is so easy to make, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So let’s get cooking and make this cheesy dream a reality!

Utensils You Need:

Gather these tools to create this cheesy masterpiece:

  1. Large pot
  2. Colander
  3. 9×13 inch baking dish
  4. Medium saucepan
  5. Whisk

The Recipe

Baked Mac And Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

This classic mac and cheese is made with macaroni noodles, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in the baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. You can use any type of cheese you like, such as Gruyère, Gouda, or even a combination of different cheeses.
  2. Feel free to add other ingredients to the mac and cheese, such as cooked bacon, chopped vegetables, or jalapeños for a bit of heat.
  3. For a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream instead of milk.
Keyword baked mac and cheese, cheesy, comfort food, creamy, easy, family dinner, mac and cheese

Cook method: Baking

Season: All seasons

Alternative Ingredients:

If you don’t have the ingredients I listed above, don’t worry! You can swap them out for the alternatives below:

IngredientAlternative
Elbow macaroniAny pasta shape
Cheddar cheeseGruyère, Gouda, or any other cheese
Monterey Jack cheeseMozzarella or provolone cheese
Bread crumbsCrushed crackers or crushed cornflakes
Parmesan cheesePecorino Romano or another hard cheese

What to Serve with Baked Mac and Cheese:

You can pair this delicious Baked Mac and Cheese with the following:

  • A fresh green salad to add a lighter element to the meal.
  • Roasted or grilled vegetables for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
  • A simple protein like grilled chicken or fish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze leftover baked mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly and have a better flavor.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out?

Make sure to use enough sauce to coat the pasta well. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to the dish before baking to help keep it moist.

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