Baked Macaroni and Cheese

KrystelOctober 10, 2023

DifficultyEasy

Total time45 minutes

Servings8

Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese: a Cheesy Delight

Introduction

Hey there! I’m thrilled you’ve stopped by for a dive into what I consider the pinnacle of comfort food: baked macaroni and cheese. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey back to childhood warmth, to moments filled with laughter and plates piled high with creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you're sitting down to a family dinner or scooping a side to complement your main, this ultimate baked mac and cheese is more than just nourishment; it’s a bowl of memories. From the golden brown crust to the gooey center, each bite is a testament to the timeless appeal of this beloved classic. Loved by kids and revered by adults, it's a dish that unites all ages in unanimous appreciation. So, let’s get into the kitchen and stir up some cheesy delight, shall world?

Key Takeaways:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Baked macaroni and cheese is celebrated as a comforting classic.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as either a main dish or a side, its creamy, cheesy sauce is universally loved.
• Timeless Appeal: A dish that brings together all ages, embodying the joy of a shared meal.

Ingredients Needed

Gathering the right blend of ingredients is crucial for crafting that ultimate cheesy delight we all crave in baked macaroni and cheese. Here's what I always have on my list:

• Elbow pasta: It's the star of the dish, perfectly holding onto the creamy sauce.
• Cheddar cheese and Parmesan: For that classic, gooey goodness. But hey, don't shy away from shaking things up with some gruyere or Monterey Jack for a twist.
• Whole milk or heavy cream: This is what gives the sauce its rich, dreamy texture.
• Butter and flour: To create a roux that'll thicken our creamy cheese sauce just right.
• Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible golden-brown topping we all love.
• Seasonings: A dash of salt, black pepper, and maybe even some mustard powder to elevate the flavors.

Cooking the Perfect Macaroni

There's truly an art to cooking elbow macaroni just right, ensuring it's al dente before it makes its way into the creamy cheese sauce that awaits. I've learned, sometimes the hard way, that the secret to that perfect baked macaroni and cheese starts right here, in a large pot of boiling water. You see, the goal is to cook the macaroni noodles until they're just tender enough to bite into, yet firm enough to stand up to a second round in the oven. This bit of kitchen wisdom strikes a delicate balance; overcooking at this stage could lead your ultimate comfort food dream straight into a mushy nightmare. Trust me, getting this right makes all the difference, setting you up for that incredible baked mac layer after layer of cheesy goodness and a golden brown top that's as satisfying to break into as it is to eat.

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Hey there! Let's dive into the heart of our cozy kitchen adventure – creating that velvety, hug-in-a-bowl creamy cheese sauce that's gonna wrap our macaroni in the cheesiest embrace. Now, I’m gonna let you in on how to be the wizard of cheese sauces, starting with the magic of medium heat. Grab your large saucepan, because this is where the creamy dream begins.

First things first, whole milk or heavy cream? I say, why not both? Pour your pick into the saucepan, whisking gently on medium heat. This is your canvas for richness. Now, while the milk warms up softly, whispering promises of a creamy future, let’s talk about thickening. A roux is your friend here. A little flour mixture goes a long way, creating the perfect base for our cheese to melt into oblivion.

And now, for the star of the show – the cheese. Blend your heart out with cheddar, toss in some gruyere or even a touch of monterey jack cheese for that depth of flavor that makes your soul sing. This is where you get creative, making your own cheese culture in that saucepan. Cultivating the creamy cheese sauce that will lovingly coat our al dente elbow pasta is an act of love, a whisper of comfort. There’s creamy goodness in every stir, promising your macaroni a golden brown future, bubbling under a broiler, or comfortably nestled under aluminum foil, waiting to reach creamy macaroni perfection.

Combining Ingredients

Once the elbow macaroni is cooked to al dente perfection and the creamy cheese sauce is bubbling with cheesy goodness, it's time for the magic to happen. I gently fold the tender elbow macaroni into the velvety sauce, ensuring each noodle is lovingly coated. It's a bit like giving your macaroni a warm cheese blanket. This step is crucial - you want that incredible baked mac and cheese to be uniformly creamy, with every bite delivering that ultimate comfort food experience. To achieve the best results, I use a large saucepan for combining, making sure there's enough room for a good stir. This is where our creation starts to come together, just before it heads into the baking dish to become that golden brown, heavenly cheesy delight.

Baking to Perfection

After lovingly coating every tender elbow macaroni with that creamy cheese sauce, it's time to turn our focus to baking to perfection. In my kitchen, ensuring the macaroni doesn't dry out is key. I cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, which acts like a cozy blanket, keeping all that creamy goodness locked in. Then, about halfway through, I whip off the cover, sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs and some extra cheese on top — my favorites are a mix of cheddar for the melt and Parmesan for that golden brown crust we all adore. It's this simple act that transforms our mac into a dish with a perfectly crispy top and a tender, moist inside. Trust me, that first spoonful will tell you it's all been worth it.

Serving Suggestions

Now, when it comes to serving this Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese, I've got some tips that’ll make this cheesy delight even more irresistible. First off, don’t hesitate to get a little fancy with garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a pop of color and flavor that truly elevates the dish. And while it’s a star on its own, pairing it with a side salad or some roasted vegetables can turn it into a well-rounded, nourishing meal. But here’s the best part – if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat like a dream. Just a few minutes in the oven or on medium-low heat on the stove, and it’s as good as new. Trust me, it might even taste better the next day!

Storing Tips

After sharing an incredible baked mac and cheese meal, you might find yourself with leftovers - fear not! Here's how to keep that cheesy goodness just as delightful for the next round. First off, let's talk about plastic wrap and airtight containers. These are your best friends for keeping your dish fresh. Gently cover or pack the macaroni in your container of choice, ensuring it's sealed tight to fend off any fridge foes. If you’re planning to savor this comfort food over the next few days, the fridge is perfect.

But for those thinking ahead, know that your cheesy masterpiece freezes beautifully too. Now, when it's time to reheat, you want to capture that just-baked quality. Removing the mac and cheese from the cold and letting it gradually come to room temperature makes a big difference. A little splash of real milk before it hits the microwave or oven helps revitalize that creamy texture, making it just as irresistible as the first time. So, whether it's tomorrow’s lunch or a treat for next week, these simple steps ensure your ultimate baked macaroni and cheese remains the ultimate comfort food.

A Toast to Cheesy Goodness

I’m so thrilled to chat about one of my all-time favorite recipes, the ultimate baked macaroni and cheese. There’s something so special about the creamy sauce, the tender elbow macaroni, and, of course, the golden brown, cheesy goodness that comes from a perfect blend of cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and maybe even a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar or gruyere. But here’s where the real fun begins: making it your own. Ever thought about folding in some pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat? Or what about a dash of garlic powder, mustard powder, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to kick things up a notch?

The beauty of this incredible baked mac

It lies in its versatility. It’s not just a recipe, it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity. Imagine the joy of gathering your whole family, presenting them with a baking dish filled with this creamy macaroni masterpiece, and watching as they dive into the cheesy sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty main dish or a comforting side, this mac n cheese recipe is set to become one of your favorite recipes, a go-to for many gatherings to come.

So grab that large pot, preheat your oven, and get ready to create the best homemade mac that’s not only satisfying but also brings a little bit of cheesy happiness to your table. And remember, the best part is sharing it with those you love, making memories around delicious, comforting food. Trust me, that first-time you see the smiles and hear the contented sighs, you’ll know you’ve found a new favorite for your recipe card collection. Dive in, experiment, and most importantly, have as much fun in the kitchen as I do every single time I whip up this ultimate comfort food. Here’s to cheesy goodness and creating mouthwatering memories!

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheddar cheese, Macaroni, swiss cheese

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Krystel

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 ½ cups medium cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Boil water in a large pot and then add macaroni. Cook for 8 minutes then strain, rinse and set aside.
• Mix the cheeses together and set aside one half cup of the cheddar cheese for the topping later.
• In another pot on medium heat melt the butter. Then add the flour and whisk for about a minute until combined and bubbling.
• Add the half and half, salt and pepper and continue whisking. Once it has thickened add the 2 cups of mixed cheeses stir and remove from heat.
• Add the mixture to the macaroni mixing well and place in a 9x13 glass baking dish (or another appropriate sized baking dish I used a casserole one for a smaller portion of this recipe).
• Top with remaining ½ cheddar cheese and add pepper and paprika if you like on top. Cover with non-stick tin foil and bake for 30 mins or until the cheese is melted.