Best 3 Best Baked Mac Cheese Recipes
Mac and cheese, a delectable dish enjoyed by people of all ages, holds a special place in the culinary world. Originating in the 18th century, this classic casserole has undergone countless transformations, resulting in a wide array of recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a traditional baked mac and cheese, a creamy stovetop version, or a healthier baked mac and cheese, there's a recipe out there to satisfy your cravings.
In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets behind creating the perfect mac and cheese. We'll explore the different types of pasta, cheeses, and sauces used in this timeless dish, providing you with the knowledge to customize it to your liking. From a classic baked mac and cheese with a crispy golden crust to a decadent truffle mac and cheese, our collection of recipes offers something for every palate.
So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's dive into the world of mac and cheese. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.
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
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.
BEST BAKED MAC & CHEESE
Some folks like their mac & cheese creamy and saucy and some folks like it thick & rich baked in the oven. This recipe, adapted from Alton Brown,with a few changes, is for the latter group of folks. Thick and flavorful and covered in bread crumbs: this is what my family calls "real" macaroni & cheese!
Provided by Tonna Canfield
Categories Pasta Sides
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente. While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes. Add about 2 Tablespoons of the hot mixture to the beaten egg in a small bowl and gradually add the egg mixture back into the hot mixture (this is called tempering the egg). Stir in 8 oz of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Delicious!
Tips:
- Use a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor. Cheddar and Gruyère are classic choices, but you can also try Parmesan, Fontina, or Asiago.
- Cook the macaroni until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Make sure the cheese sauce is thick and creamy before adding it to the macaroni. If it is too thin, it will not coat the macaroni evenly and will make the casserole runny.
- Top the casserole with a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking. This will give the casserole a golden brown crust and add extra flavor.
- Bake the casserole until it is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. This will usually take about 30 minutes.
Conclusion:
Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple tips, you can make the best baked mac and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden brown. So next time you are looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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