Best Baked Mac and Cheese

Introduction

Welcome to a flavorful journey with this irresistible baked mac and cheese recipe! There’s something inherently comforting about the creamy, gooey, and cheesy goodness of a well-prepared mac and cheese dish. This recipe from Bake with Zoha is the best you’ll come across for a soul-warming meal that you can enjoy at any time of the day. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even just to satisfy a sudden cheesy craving, this recipe has it all. Let us take you through the steps to create this heavenly and classic dish.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Macaroni

2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

Butter

4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Flour

4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

Milk

3 cups of whole milk for a creamy texture

Cheese

4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to choose sharp, mild, or a mixture)

Cream Cheese

Half a cup of softened cream cheese

Salt and Pepper

To taste

Breadcrumbs

Half a cup for the crunchy topping

Prep Time

Preparing this baked mac and cheese is quick and easy. The prep time is approximately 20 minutes. This includes boiling the pasta and preparing the cheesy sauce that will coat every macaroni for optimal flavor.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time

The dish takes around 25 minutes to bake in the oven until golden and bubbly on top.

Total Time

With both preparation and cooking, the total time is just about 45 minutes, making it a hearty dish ready in under an hour.

Yield

This recipe serves approximately 6 people. You can easily double it for larger gatherings or halve it if you’re cooking for fewer people.

Now that you have an overview of the recipe, it’s time for you to get started on making this delicious baked mac and cheese. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy bite!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Cook The Pasta

1. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni in the boiling water according to the package instructions, ensuring the pasta is cooked al dente.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Prepare The Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Reduce the heat to low and start adding shredded cheeses slowly, one handful at a time, while stirring. Allow the cheese to melt completely before adding the next batch.
5. Once all the cheese is melted, check the seasoning of the sauce and add salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1. Add the cooked and cooled macaroni to the cheese sauce.
2. Mix well, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.

Prepare For Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Make The Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with breadcrumbs. Stir until all the breadcrumbs are well-coated.
2. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.

Bake

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
2. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Cheese Options

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt smoothly due to added anti-caking agents.

Milk Types

For a richer sauce, you can use whole milk, or even add some heavy cream.

Pasta Alternatives

While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use other short pasta shapes like penne or shells.

Baking Dish Sizes

A 9×13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe, but other medium-sized dishes can be used as long as the macaroni is evenly spread out.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results or use a microwave for a quicker option.

Optional Add-ons

For extra flavor, you can mix cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or sautéed vegetables into the macaroni and cheese before baking.
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Cook Techniques

Use High-Quality Cheeses

Choose a mix of cheeses for the best flavor and creamy texture. Popular options include sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Freshly grating cheese is preferred over pre-shredded for better melting.

Make a Perfect Roux

Prepare the roux by using equal parts butter and flour. Cook the mixture until it turns into a smooth paste without over-browning for a creamy sauce base.

Gradual Milk Addition

Add milk slowly to the roux while continuously whisking. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety sauce.

Cook the Pasta Al Dente

Boil the macaroni slightly undercooked as it will cook further in the oven. Avoid overcooking to maintain the pasta texture.

Baking for Texture

Bake the dish long enough to achieve a golden and crispy layer on the top using breadcrumbs or extra cheese.

Season Generously

Ensure the cheese sauce is flavored with salt, pepper, and optional spices like paprika or garlic powder for added taste.

Using Broiler for Extra Crisp

If desired, switch to broil mode for the last minute or two of baking to get a perfectly crispy top layer.

FAQ

What cheeses work best for baked mac and cheese?

A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyere works wonderfully. Choose cheeses that melt smoothly for the best results.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving to retain the creamy texture.

Should I cover the mac and cheese while baking?

No, baking uncovered helps achieve a crispy, golden top layer.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Consider adding spices like paprika, mustard powder, or nutmeg to the sauce. You can also mix in cooked bacon or caramelized onions.

Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?

Yes, freeze it before baking or after it’s fully cooked. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Elbow macaroni is a traditional choice, but shells or cavatappi also work well to hold the sauce.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

Grainy texture can occur if the cheese is overheated or cooked too quickly. Always melt cheese over low or medium heat.

How long does baked mac and cheese last in the fridge?

It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently to preserve its texture.

Conclusion

This baked mac and cheese recipe is a true comfort food classic, offering rich creaminess and flavorful depth in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even as a standalone treat, it’s a dish that will leave everyone craving more. Whether you’re a long-time mac and cheese lover or just exploring its delights, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy and become a household favorite.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Cheesy Garlic Bread

Pair your baked mac and cheese with homemade cheesy garlic bread for a double dose of cheesy goodness that’s sure to please everyone.

Classic Caesar Salad

Balance the richness of the baked mac and cheese with a refreshing and crisp Caesar salad for a perfect combination of flavors.

Herb Roasted Chicken

Add some protein to your dish with a side of perfectly seasoned herb-roasted chicken, a delightful companion to this creamy pasta dish.

Braised Greens

Enhance the meal with a side of braised greens like kale or collard greens for a nutritious and flavorful complement to the cheesy pasta.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

For a hearty and satisfying meal, serve the baked mac and cheese alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.