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.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Description
Baked Mac and Cheese is a quintessential comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a golden, crispy topping.Ingredients
For the pasta
For the cheese sauce
For the topping
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Cook the pasta
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
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. -
Combine pasta and sauce
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well. Pour into a greased baking dish. -
Add the topping
Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese. -
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serving Size 1
Servings 4
- 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%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
User Reviews
This looks like the ultimate comfort food! I love the idea of baking mac and cheese for that crispy top layer – it really elevates the dish. The ingredient list is simple but seems like it would pack a lot of flavor, especially with the mix of cheeses. I’ve tried a few mac and cheese recipes before, but I’m always on the hunt for one that’s creamy without being too rich. Your recipe seems like it strikes that balance perfectly. Excited to give it a go this weekend!
I’ve made this mac and cheese countless times, and it never disappoints. It’s easy and delicious, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family at gatherings, especially when paired with pulled pork sandwiches. I almost always add a pinch of nutmeg, which gives it a fantastic flavor.
I’m a big fan of the creamy texture this recipe has, and it turned out super smooth. But honestly, the flavor just didn’t hit the mark for me—it was pretty bland overall. I even used the exact cheese the recipe called for and shredded it myself, but it still lacked depth. And the paprika? Couldn’t taste it at all. I’m not sure where I went wrong, but I think I’ll give it another shot with a different cheese next time.
This looks like the ultimate comfort food! I love the idea of baking mac and cheese for that crispy top layer – it really elevates the dish. The ingredient list is simple but seems like it would pack a lot of flavor, especially with the mix of cheeses. I’ve tried a few mac and cheese recipes before, but I’m always on the hunt for one that’s creamy without being too rich. Your recipe seems like it strikes that balance perfectly. Excited to give it a go this weekend!
I’ve made this mac and cheese countless times, and it never disappoints. It’s easy and delicious, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family at gatherings, especially when paired with pulled pork sandwiches. I almost always add a pinch of nutmeg, which gives it a fantastic flavor.
I’m a big fan of the creamy texture this recipe has, and it turned out super smooth. But honestly, the flavor just didn’t hit the mark for me—it was pretty bland overall. I even used the exact cheese the recipe called for and shredded it myself, but it still lacked depth. And the paprika? Couldn’t taste it at all. I’m not sure where I went wrong, but I think I’ll give it another shot with a different cheese next time.