Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese: A Classic Comfort Dish

Baked Mac and Cheese is a quintessential comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a golden, crispy topping. It’s a versatile dish that can serve as a heartwarming main course or a beloved side dish at any gathering. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you’re in need of some cheesy goodness, this recipe brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort: It’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a joy to prepare.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite cheeses or add-ins.

Tips for Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese

Ensuring your Baked Mac and Cheese turns out perfectly every time is easy with these helpful tips:

• Choose a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor.
• Cook your pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• For a crispy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs or crumbled crackers mixed with melted butter.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or a potluck, Baked Mac and Cheese is a guaranteed hit. Its creamy interior and crispy crust offer a delightful contrast that makes this dish irresistible. Dive into the world of comfort food with this beloved classic and watch it become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Print Recipe

Comfort Food

Baked Mac and Cheese

Author: Annie Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course, Side Dish Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food C Customizable E Easy to Make

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 55 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 600

Best Season: all year round

Dietary:

V Vegetarian Option

Description

Baked Mac and Cheese is a quintessential comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a golden, crispy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the pasta

• 8 oz macaroni

For the cheese sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (warm)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)

For the topping

• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   

2. Cook the pasta

   Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   

3. Make the cheese sauce

   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, avoiding lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese until smooth. Season with paprika and mustard powder.

4. Combine pasta and sauce

   Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well. Pour into a greased baking dish.

5. Add the topping

   Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.

6. Bake

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

Calories from Fat 250kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 28gg44%

Saturated Fat 17gg85%

Trans Fat 1gg

Cholesterol 85mgmg29%

Sodium 710mgmg30%

Total Carbohydrate 52gg18%

Dietary Fiber 2gg8%

Sugars 5gg

Protein 25gg50%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce can also bring out a nice flavor.

Keywords: Baked Mac and Cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, crispy topping

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