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.
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 2 butter
- 2 all-purpose flour
- 2 milk (warm)
- 1/2 paprika
- 1/2 mustard powder
- 2 sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 butter (melted)
- 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 sauceIn 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 sauceCombine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Add the toppingMix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
- BakeBake 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.
