This classic baked mac and cheese is a comforting dish that combines creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with different cheeses or add-ins like bacon or vegetables to suit your taste.
Overview of Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This dish combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, creating a delightful experience for the palate.
The golden-brown crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the gooey cheese underneath offers a comforting embrace. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The foundation of this baked mac and cheese lies in its simple yet effective ingredients. Elbow macaroni serves as the base, providing the perfect vessel for the cheese sauce.
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses are blended to create a rich flavor profile, while optional ingredients like Parmesan can enhance the topping. Seasonings such as mustard powder, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth to the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
The Cooking Process
Preparing baked mac and cheese is straightforward and rewarding. Start by cooking the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite even after baking.
Next, a creamy cheese sauce is made by melting butter and whisking in flour, followed by milk and seasonings. Once thickened, the cheeses are stirred in until melted and smooth, creating a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Creating the Perfect Crust
The topping is what sets this dish apart. A mixture of breadcrumbs, possibly combined with Parmesan cheese, is sprinkled over the mac and cheese before baking. This layer transforms into a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Baking at a moderate temperature allows the cheese to bubble and the breadcrumbs to achieve that perfect crunch, making each serving visually appealing and inviting.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
For an extra touch, consider offering a small bowl of additional cheese or toppings like crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables, allowing guests to customize their servings to their liking.
Why This Dish is a Favorite
Baked mac and cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a beloved choice for many.
Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, this comforting classic never fails to satisfy. With its ease of preparation and delicious results, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your culinary repertoire.
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This baked mac and cheese features elbow macaroni coated in a rich cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese if using. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade baked mac and cheese!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g