Baked Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
650 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Baked Mac and Cheese
Description
Baked Mac and Cheese features elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce that blends sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese. The sauce base starts with a roux made from butter, flour, and seasonings like onion and garlic powder, which is then combined with milk and cream to create a smooth, creamy texture. Melted cheeses are whisked in off the heat to achieve a luscious consistency. Tossed with pasta cooked al dente, it is poured into a casserole dish and topped with a mixture of panko crumbs, butter, cheddar, and parmesan that crisps up in the oven.
The baking process creates a contrast between the creamy pasta and the browned, slightly crunchy topping. The seasoning with dry mustard powder, seasoned salt, and black pepper enhances the overall taste. The recipe advises cooking the pasta firmly to avoid mushiness after baking and warns against overbaking to keep the dish creamy.
This dish serves well as a comfort food entrée or side. It pairs simply with fresh greens or steamed vegetables. The baked mac and cheese can be prepared ahead and baked later, with tips for refrigerating and reheating that include stirring in a splash of milk for creaminess and baking with the topping separately to maintain texture.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 5 tablespoons butter salted
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ¾ cups milk
- ½ cup half and half or light cream
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 14 ounces cheddar cheese shredded, approximately 3 ½ cups lightly packed, sharp
- 1 ½ ounces Parmesan Cheese shredded, approximately ½ cup
Topping
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons butter melted
- 2 ounces cheddar cheese shredded, approximately ½ cup lightly packed, sharp
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, combine Panko bread crumbs, butter, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese and mix well. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well, run under cold water, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring.
- Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking until smooth after each addition. Continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer and let simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and add cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Whisk until melted and smooth.
- Toss the sauce with the drained pasta and gently spoon it into a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over top and bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until bubbly and topping is browned. Do not overcook.
Notes
- Use 3½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the sauce; substitute half with Gruyère for variation.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent over-softness after baking.
- Do not overbake; aim for bubbly sauce and browned topping for best creaminess.
- The topping can be made with cheese alone, omitting bread crumbs if preferred.
- Prepare up to 2 days in advance; store topping separately and bring to room temperature before baking.
- For leftovers, keep covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days; reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 650 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 650 | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 630mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 332mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1135IU | 23% |
| Calcium | 634mg | 63% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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