Baked Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
9 servings (1 cup each)
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Calories
667 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Baked Mac and Cheese
Description
Baked Mac and Cheese features elbow macaroni coated in a velvety cheese sauce created by melting cheddar and gruyère into a milk-based roux. The sauce is made by cooking butter and flour to form a roux, then whisking in hot milk to thicken before cheese is stirred in. Freshly cooked pasta is folded into this sauce, then the mixture is transferred into a buttered casserole dish. Breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter and minced garlic form a golden topping that crisps up during a 30 to 40-minute bake at 350°F, adding texture to the creamy interior.
The use of both cheddar and gruyère cheeses offers a balance of sharpness and creaminess, while the garlic in the buttered crumbs provides a subtle savory note. The pasta is cooked just until al dente before baking to maintain firmness beneath the rich sauce. This mac and cheese can be served as a filling main course or alongside roasted or grilled dishes.
The recipe provides flexibility in pasta shapes and cheese choices, allowing for variations. It yields nine 1-cup servings and leftovers can be refrigerated for up to four days. Unbaked casseroles can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to two days before baking. Freezing is possible, preferably before baking to preserve creaminess; thaw overnight before final baking.
Ingredients
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (see note 1)
- ½ cup butter divided, plus extra for buttering the dish
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk hot (see note 2)
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded (2 cups, see note 3)
- 8 ounces gruyere cheese shredded (2 cups)
- hot sauce to taste
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2 1/2 quart or larger casserole dish. Bring 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon salt to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain well. Do not overcook and do not rinse macaroni.
- Return pot to stovetop. Over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons butter until foaming. Whisk in flour and cook until bubbling but not browned, about 1 minute. Whisk in milk and bring to boil. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted.
- Fold in macaroni and stir until uniformly combined. Season to taste with salt and hot sauce, if desired. Pour into prepared casserole dish.
- In a medium bowl, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in microwave. Stir in garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add breadcrumbs and toss until evenly coated.
- Pour breadcrumbs over macaroni. Bake until sauce is bubbling and breadcrumbs have browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
Notes
- Any bite-size pasta can be used; choose shapes like cavatappi, farfalle, or penne that hold sauce well.
- Milk fat percentage can be varied; substituting part of the milk with evaporated milk results in a richer sauce.
- Cheese combinations are flexible; combining at least two types from cheddar, gruyère, mozzarella, or others enhances flavor and texture.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container or covered casserole for up to four days in the refrigerator.
- Prepare ahead by assembling through the breadcrumb topping and refrigerate up to 48 hours before baking.
- Freeze assembled casserole tightly wrapped for up to three months; thaw in refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9servings (1 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 667 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 cup | |
| Calories | 667kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Cholesterol | 101mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 514mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 324mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1056IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 634mg | 63% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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