why make this recipe
Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It brings warmth and happiness to the table. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and has a crispy topping, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it is easy to make, and you can customize it with different cheeses and add-ins to suit your taste.
how to make Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients :
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
how to serve Baked Mac and Cheese
Serve Baked Mac and Cheese hot, straight from the oven. It makes a wonderful side dish or can be enjoyed as a main meal. You can pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
how to store Baked Mac and Cheese
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to cover it well. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
tips to make Baked Mac and Cheese
- For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon or ham to the mix.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a new twist.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes.
variation
You can make a vegetable version by adding broccoli, spinach, or peas to the macaroni before baking. This is a great way to sneak in some veggies!
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this dish gluten-free.
2. How do I make it creamier?
For a creamier mac and cheese, you can add more cheese or a splash of cream in addition to the milk.
3. Can I prepare it in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and store it in the fridge overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Baked Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or ham. Experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg