Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish loved by people of all ages. It's a comforting and delicious meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish. This article provides three irresistible baked mac and cheese recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
The first recipe, "Absolutely the Best Baked Mac and Cheese," takes the classic dish to a whole new level with a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy béchamel sauce, and a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. This mac and cheese is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
The second recipe, "Easy Baked Mac and Cheese," is a simpler version that's perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few pantry staples and 30 minutes of your time, you can have a delicious and satisfying mac and cheese on the table.
But if you're looking for something truly special, the "Lobster Baked Mac and Cheese" recipe is the one for you. This luxurious dish features succulent lobster meat, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and a golden brown crust. It's perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying baked mac and cheese that will warm your heart and fill your belly.
THE BEST HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
The BEST Homemade Mac and Cheese of your LIFE. Outrageously cheesy, ultra creamy, and topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping, this mac and cheese recipe is most definitely a keeper. I used three different cheese and a homemade cheese sauce to take this macaroni and cheese recipe over the top.
Provided by Trish - Mom On Timeout
Categories Dinner
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside.Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
- Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.
- Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.
- Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot.
- Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.
- Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.
- Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
- Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 642 kcal, Carbohydrate 40 g, Protein 26 g, Fat 41 g, SaturatedFat 24 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Sodium 550 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
This is GOOD--trust me! Tastes like a million bucks--maybe 2 million. I like to use cavatappi pasta (double elbows) because they are long and squiggly so they hold a lot of the sauce.
Provided by Aimchick
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Butter a baking dish or coat with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sprinkle flour into butter and whisk constantly until you have thick, smooth paste, about 5 minutes.
- Add mustard, red pepper and Worcestershire. Gradually whisk in milk and continue stirring until sauce thickens and returns to simmer.
- Reduce heat to low. Add 3 cups of cheese and stir until melted. Add macaroni, stirring until well coated. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over top, followed by crumbs. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden on top.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY
Nothing says comfort like a homemade baked mac and cheese. Our favorite version is made with a luscious and creamy sauce that pools in the pasta shells for the ultimate cheesy feel-good food.
Provided by Aleya Zenieris
Time 1h
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than recommended on the package (you want the pasta to have a slight bite; it will finish cooking while it bakes).
- In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces shredded cheddar with the American cheese and cornstarch. Use your fingers to gently toss until all of the cheese is coated.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the butter begins to sizzle, add the mustard powder and cayenne and stir to combine. Toast the spices until the butter turns golden brown, about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the milk begins to simmer, with small bubbles rapidly rising to the surface, about 3 minutes.
- Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then temper it by slowly adding in spoonfuls of the simmering milk mixture while continuing to whisk until incorporated.
- Slowly drizzle the tempered egg back into the milk mixture, whisking vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheddar cheese mixture, a small handful at a time, whisking between each addition to make sure the cheese melts evenly (mix quickly enough that the mixture does not cool too rapidly, but slowly enough that the emulsion does not break).
- Add the cooked pasta to the pot and gently fold to coat with the sauce, then season with 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the pasta and sauce into an 8-inch square baking dish with 2-inch-high sides (at this point, the pasta can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days).
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top of the pasta.
- Bake the mac and cheese until the cheese is melted and beginning to bubble around the edges, about 20 minutes. Turn the broiler on high and broil the mac and cheese until the cheese begins to brown all over, about 5 minutes. Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes for the sauce set and cool slightly.
- Serve warm.
- Enjoy!
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- For the macaroni: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the salt and macaroni. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
- For the cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 1-quart saucepan. Using a wire whisk, stir in the flour and salt, stirring and cooking over medium heat until the roux bubbles and the flour turns pale brown, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the milk and then whisk in the remaining 1 cup milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the cheese and stir until it melts. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly.
- For the topping: In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the butter until the crumbs are moistened.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish and top with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until the dish bubbles around the edges, about 15 minutes.
THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
A blend of three cheeses delivers a punch of flavor in this creamy mac and cheese. Toasted breadcrumbs give a crunchy texture contrast.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until just slightly softened, about 6 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and rinse under cold water.
- Meanwhile, remove the crusts from the bread and cut into 1-inch cubes. Pulse in the food processor until the bread breaks into bean-sized pieces.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until toasted, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, mustard powder and cayenne. Cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and slightly golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce begins to boil and thicken, about 7 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the fontina, Gruyere and all but 1 1/2 cups of the Cheddar until fully melted. Stir in the pasta, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to make a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Brush a 9-by-13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with the melted butter. Spread the pasta mixture in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar evenly over the pasta, then scatter the toasted breadcrumbs on top. Bake until heated through and just bubbling, about 25 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
BEST BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE EVER!
After being dissatisfied with many macaroni and cheese recipes, I experimented and came up with my own. Everyone that has tried it simply raves about it... I don't mean to toot my own horn but beep beep! (Serves 4)
Provided by AinsleyRose
Categories Cheese
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook macaroni just until al dente and drain, set aside.
- While pasta is boiling, melt the butter in a large saucepan.
- Whisk in the flour over medium heat until smooth & bubbly (only about a minute).
- Stir in evaporated milk, cheese spread, pepper, mustard, seasoned salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper Keep cooking and stirring over medium heat until sauce has thickened (about 3 or 4 minutes).
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Velveeta to the white sauce and stir just until cheeses have melted.
- Add macaroni and stir until pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Pour into a casserole dish sprayed with Pam.
- Arrange cheese slices on top, sprinkle with cracker crumbs and dot somewhat generously with butter.
- Bake 15-20 minutes or until top is nice and golden and casserole is heated through.
- Let stand about 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!
BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. -Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain., In a Dutch oven, heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., In a microwave, melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30-35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 689 calories, Fat 37g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 834mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
THE BEST BAKED MAC & CHEESE RECIPE EVER
Super creamy and gloriously cheesy, this classic baked mac and cheese boasts a golden bubbling lid with ooey gooey goodness underneath.
Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty
Categories Main Course Side Dish
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Boil the pasta JUST until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and return to the pan you boiled it in. Set aside. (Mix in a little butter to keep the noodles from sticking if it's going to be awhile before you make the sauce)
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- To a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the flour, salt, dry mustard, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika. With a wooden spoon or whisk, stir constantly for three minutes.
- Add the milk in a thin stream, stirring constantly with a whisk. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add 2 cups of the cheese, stirring until melted. You'll reserve the last cup of cheese for topping. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and toss gently until all of the pasta is coated.
- Add half the pasta to a two-quart casserole dish (I like a tall 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish). Sprinkle on half the cheese. Add the rest of the pasta. Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese, then dust lightly with the smoked paprika.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the mac and cheese is bubbling and browning on top.
- Serve, topping individual servings with parsley or cooked, chopped bacon if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 442 kcal, Sugar 7 g, Sodium 601 mg, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 23 g, Cholesterol 68 mg, ServingSize 1 serving
Tips:
- Use a combination of cheeses. This will give your mac and cheese a more complex flavor. Some good options include cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
- Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that it should be cooked until it is tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will make your mac and cheese mushy.
- Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. A roux will help to prevent your mac and cheese from being too runny.
- Use milk or cream. Milk or cream will help to make your cheese sauce smooth and creamy. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even heavy cream. The fat content of the milk or cream will affect the richness of the cheese sauce.
- Add your favorite seasonings. Some good options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or basil.
- Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. This will give your mac and cheese a crispy topping. You can also add a layer of cheese on top before baking.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown. This will usually take about 30 minutes. You can check to see if your mac and cheese is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, it is done.
Conclusion:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different ingredients. By following the tips in this article, you can make the best baked mac and cheese that you have ever tasted.
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