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Best Baked Mac and Cheese

Best Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Best Baked Mac and Cheese is a cozy, comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni drenched in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère or mozzarella. Topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust, this classic comfort food is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you crave a warm, cheesy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk or heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp mustard powder or 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sogginess later.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking it for about two minutes to avoid a raw taste. Gradually whisk in milk or cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
  3. Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and slowly stir in shredded cheddar and Gruyère or mozzarella cheese until completely melted and glossy. Add mustard powder or Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated. Transfer this mixture to a buttered baking dish for the next step.
  5. Prepare the Topping and Bake: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter for maximum crispiness. Sprinkle generously over the mac and cheese, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Use a cheese blend combining sharper and milder cheeses for depth and perfect melt.
  • Cook the roux (flour and butter) well before adding milk to avoid floury taste.
  • Do not overcook pasta initially to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and melted butter.
  • Allow the baked dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to set nicely.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, easy macaroni and cheese

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Find it online: https://dishesbyme.com/best-baked-mac-and-cheese/