Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delectable Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups panko crumbs
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish.
- Combine the shredded cheeses in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until golden, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking until smooth. Cook until bubbly, then continue for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in 4 cups of the cheese mixture until smooth. Add the pasta, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Transfer half the mac and cheese to the baking dish, sprinkle over half the remaining cheese, add the rest of the mac and cheese, and top with the last of the cheese.
- Mix the panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Hot: Baked Mac and Cheese is best enjoyed straight out of the oven when it’s hot and bubbly. Serve it immediately to ensure maximum enjoyment.
- Garnish: Consider garnishing your baked mac and cheese with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions: Pair your mac and cheese with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.
- Freezing: Baked mac and cheese can be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen or refrigerated mac and cheese, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually around 20-30 minutes for refrigerated leftovers and 45-60 minutes for frozen portions.
- Customize Portions: Adjust the serving size according to your needs. This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, but you can easily halve or double the ingredients to suit the number of guests or your appetite.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Baked Mac and Cheese stays delicious and enjoyable, whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or enjoying leftovers later on.
Variations:
- Add Bacon: For a savory twist, add crispy bacon pieces to the mac and cheese mixture before baking. The smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and incorporate sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version. Simply stir them into the cheese sauce along with the pasta.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before baking for an extra kick.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs and spices to infuse additional flavor into your mac and cheese. Try adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder to the cheese sauce for an aromatic twist.
- Crunchy Topping Varieties: Instead of traditional panko breadcrumbs, try topping your mac and cheese with crushed potato chips, crumbled crackers, or even French fried onions for added crunch and texture.
- Cheese Variations: Mix and match different types of cheese to create unique flavor profiles. Consider using smoked gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack in place of or in addition to the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses for a personalized touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences.
- Seafood Twist: Incorporate seafood such as cooked shrimp, crab meat, or lobster chunks into the mac and cheese for a luxurious variation. The seafood adds a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese sauce.
- Truffle Infusion: For an indulgent twist, drizzle truffle oil over the mac and cheese before serving. The earthy flavor of truffles adds a luxurious touch that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
- Buffalo Mac and Cheese: Toss shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and mix it into the mac and cheese before baking. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Feel free to get creative and customize this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re craving something spicy, cheesy, or loaded with extra toppings, there’s a variation to satisfy every craving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or shells if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
- Can I use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk? While whole milk provides a creamier texture, you can use lower-fat milk options if preferred. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover mac and cheese for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to maintain freshness.
- How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy? Be sure to cook the pasta until it is just shy of al dente before combining it with the cheese sauce. This will prevent it from overcooking while baking.
- What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese? If you can’t find Gruyère cheese, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or another type of melty cheese like fontina or Monterey Jack.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. You can also substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce.
With its creamy texture, gooey cheese, and golden breadcrumb topping, this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting weeknight dinner or as the star of your next gathering, this dish is sure to leave everyone satisfied and craving more. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s time to elevate your mac and cheese game with this irresistible recipe.
PrintBaked Mac and Cheese
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delectable Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups panko crumbs
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish.
- Combine the shredded cheeses in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until golden, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking until smooth. Cook until bubbly, then continue for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in 4 cups of the cheese mixture until smooth. Add the pasta, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Transfer half the mac and cheese to the baking dish, sprinkle over half the remaining cheese, add the rest of the mac and cheese, and top with the last of the cheese.
- Mix the panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Serve Hot: Baked Mac and Cheese is best enjoyed straight out of the oven when it’s hot and bubbly. Serve it immediately to ensure maximum enjoyment.
- Garnish: Consider garnishing your baked mac and cheese with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions: Pair your mac and cheese with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.
- Freezing: Baked mac and cheese can be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen or refrigerated mac and cheese, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually around 20-30 minutes for refrigerated leftovers and 45-60 minutes for frozen portions.
- Customize Portions: Adjust the serving size according to your needs. This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, but you can easily halve or double the ingredients to suit the number of guests or your appetite.