Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 serving
Ingredients: 2½ cups elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 3 cups milk; 2 cups Provolone cheese; 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

User Reviews

4.6

396 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
8
Calories
628 kcal
Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine
American

Baked Mac and Cheese

Joseph Powell

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This easy homemade Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate classic comfort food. We're talking decadent creamy macaroni with the most incredible cheese sauce. Total soul-food and always a crowd favorite!

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Ingredients

Servings

2½ cups elbow macaroni (10 oz) uncooked (will yield about 5 cups of cooked macaroni)
4 tablespoons butter unsalted
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 cups milk lukewarm
2 cups Provolone cheese shredded
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Boil the pasta: Boil the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain it and set aside.
Make a roux: While the pasta cooks, add the butter to a large skillet that's oven proof or a Dutch oven and melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly browned. This will remove the raw taste of the flour. Whisk in the salt and pepper.
Add milk to the roux: Add the milk and whisk to remove lumps. You can add it all at once or a bit at a time whisking rigorously until smooth.
Add cheese and Worcestershire sauce: Add the provolone cheese and half of the cheddar cheese and whisk until smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir well. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
Cook sauce: Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce starts to thicken and bubble, should take about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Add macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir it until combined. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle smoked paprika over the cheese.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the top starts to brown and sauce gets bubbly.
Serve: Serve while warm.

Equipments used:

Notes

Make-ahead Instructions: You can prepare this Baked Mac and Cheese a day in advance. Follow the recipe up to the point where you combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, then let it cool. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge overnight. When you're ready, bake as directed. Be aware that you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the pasta will be cold from the fridge.
Crunchy Topping Option: For an added crunch, consider adding some crushed crackers or potato chips to the breadcrumb topping. It adds an extra layer of texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy mac and cheese.
Avoid Overbaking: Be sure not to overbake your mac and cheese, as it can become dry. The perfect baked mac and cheese should be golden on top and bubbly around the edges. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit after you remove it from the oven.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze, prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of baking and let it cool completely. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap, replace the foil, and bake from frozen at 375°F. You'll need to add an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time, but start checking it around the hour mark. Once it's bubbly and golden, it's ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Information

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Serving 1serving Calories 628kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 41g (14%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 36g (55%) Saturated Fat 23g (115%) Cholesterol 106mg (35%) Sodium 849mg (35%) Potassium 336mg (10%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 1245IU (25%) Vitamin C 0.2mg (0%) Calcium 773mg (77%) Iron 1.5mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 628 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving	1serving
Calories	628kcal	31%
Carbohydrates	41g	14%
Protein	31g	62%
Fat	36g	55%
Saturated Fat	23g	115%
Cholesterol	106mg	35%
Sodium	849mg	35%
Potassium	336mg	7%
Fiber	1g	4%
Sugar	6g	12%
Vitamin A	1245IU	25%
Vitamin C	0.2mg	0%
Calcium	773mg	77%
Iron	1.5mg	8%