Comforting Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A Culinary Journey of Creamy Goodness
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our curated collection of baked macaroni and cheese recipes. Embark on a culinary journey where melted cheese, tender pasta, and a symphony of flavors come together to create a dish that warms the soul. From classic stovetop macaroni and cheese to innovative variations featuring unique ingredients, our recipes cater to every taste and preference.
1. **Classic Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese:** Experience the timeless delight of a classic macaroni and cheese recipe made from scratch. Rich béchamel sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden-brown crust come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that is both nostalgic and satisfying.
2. **One-Pot Baked Macaroni and Cheese:** Elevate your comfort food game with this hassle-free one-pot baked macaroni and cheese. Combining creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this recipe offers a quick and effortless way to enjoy this classic dish without compromising on taste.
3. **Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese:** Take a culinary trip to the American South with this decadent Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese. Featuring a creamy sauce infused with sharp cheddar cheese, a hint of spice, and a crispy panko crust, this recipe embodies the bold flavors and hearty comfort of Southern cuisine.
4. **Loaded Baked Macaroni and Cheese:** Indulge in a fully loaded baked macaroni and cheese that takes the dish to a whole new level. This recipe incorporates a medley of savory ingredients, including bacon, bell peppers, jalapeños, and a blend of cheeses, resulting in a flavor-packed casserole that satisfies even the most discerning palates.
5. **Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese:** Discover a unique and flavorful twist on a classic with this butternut squash macaroni and cheese. Roasted butternut squash lends a vibrant sweetness to the creamy cheese sauce, while a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses adds a nutty, umami depth. This recipe is sure to impress even the most skeptical of food adventurers.
Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of stovetop macaroni and cheese or the indulgent richness of a loaded baked version, our collection of recipes has something for everyone. Prepare to be enveloped in a warm and comforting embrace as you savor each bite of these cheesy delights.
BEST-EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE
In the South, mac 'n cheese is like everyone's favorite aunt-and this best-ever recipe beats out the rest.
Provided by Southern Living Test Kitchen
Categories Casserole
Time 1h10m
Yield Serves 10
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium. Add next 6 ingredients; cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add flour, and cook, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat; stir in 3/4 cup each of shredded Cheddar cheeses until melted. (Reserve remaining 1/4 cup each of shredded cheeses.) Stir in pasta and diced cheeses; pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
- Bake on a rimmed baking sheet in preheated oven until bubbly and golden, 30 minutes. Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle with reserved shredded cheeses; broil 6 inches from heat until cheeses are melted and golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly on a wire rack, about 15 minutes.
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.
COMFORTING BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
I found this last year posted somewhere on the internet. It's awesome. A real crowd pleaser. It makes a lot of it. So it's great for pot lucks and family get-togethers.
Provided by cheesygiraffe
Categories Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook the macaroni until done as usual.Do not overcook it.Drain macaroni in strainer.
- Place macaroni, butter, salt,pepper, milk, mozarella cheese, and 3 cups of cheddar cheese in casserole dish.(I use a 9x13 one)Mix eggs in a bowl first and then stir into mixture.
- Cover everything with aluminum foil and cook for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Uncover and add extra cup of cheddar cheese across the top. Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories dinner, lunch, casseroles, pastas, main course, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it's barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It's going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
- Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
- Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 3-quart or 9 x 13 baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1076, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 61 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 46 grams, SaturatedFat 31 grams, Sodium 1027 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 1 gram
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda.
- Cook the pasta al dente: The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when it is baked.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. This will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.
- Use milk and cream: A combination of milk and cream will give the cheese sauce a rich and creamy texture. You can also use all milk or all cream, depending on your preference.
- Season the cheese sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. This will help to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Top with breadcrumbs: A topping of breadcrumbs will add a crispy texture to the macaroni and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Bake until golden brown: Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that the cheese sauce is melted and the pasta is cooked through.
Conclusion:
Baked macaroni 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 macaroni and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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