Indulge in the ooey-gooey goodness of baked mac and cheese, a classic comfort food that has captured hearts worldwide. This versatile dish can be customized to suit every palate, from the traditional cheesy goodness to innovative twists that add a unique touch. Whether you prefer a creamy, béchamel-based sauce or a tangy, cheddar-packed version, our collection of baked mac and cheese recipes offers something for everyone. From the classic stovetop mac and cheese baked to golden perfection to the indulgent lobster mac and cheese that elevates the dish to a luxurious level, our recipes cater to all skill levels and preferences. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey where cheesy goodness meets culinary creativity, resulting in a dish that will leave you craving for more.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
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
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.
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.
Tips:
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Choose the Right Cheese Blend: Experiment with different types of cheese to create a unique flavor profile. Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also incorporate Parmesan, Gruyère, Gouda, or Fontina.
- Cook the Macaroni Properly: Ensure the macaroni is cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite) before combining it with the cheese sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce: Combine milk, flour, and butter to create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. Use a whisk to continuously stir the mixture to prevent lumps from forming.
- Season to Taste: Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to enhance the flavor.
- Top with Breadcrumbs or Panko: For a golden brown and crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or Panko on top of the mac and cheese before baking.
Conclusion:
Baking mac and cheese is a versatile dish that allows for customization and creativity. Follow these tips and experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create a delicious and comforting baked mac and cheese that your family and friends will love. Whether you prefer a classic cheddar cheese sauce or a unique blend of cheeses, this dish is sure to satisfy your craving for a cheesy and flavorful meal. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to create the ultimate baked mac and cheese.
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