Baked Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4 to 6 servings
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Calories
1089 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Description
This recipe begins with cooking elbow macaroni just shy of al dente, so it will absorb the cheese sauce during baking without becoming overly soft. A roux-based cheese sauce is then made by whisking flour into melted butter, slowly adding milk, and cooking until thick and creamy. Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are stirred into this sauce along with seasonings including salt, pepper, mustard powder, and optional nutmeg, enhancing its depth without overpowering.
The macaroni and cheese is assembled with a topping of panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter, offering a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta beneath. Baking at 375°F browns the topping and melds flavors, finishing the cooking process gently.
The dish serves as a classic comfort food side or main, pairing well with a variety of proteins or as a standalone meal. Practical notes for preparation include undercooking the pasta initially and suggestions for storing leftovers in the refrigerator up to four days, with reheating tips to restore moisture.
Ingredients
- salt coarse
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 to 5 tablespoons (2 to 2 1/2 oz) butter unsalted
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or coarse fresh or dried bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk whole
- 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper or black pepper
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder optional, dry
- A pinch to 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg optional, freshly grated
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded, extra-sharp
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese or pecorino cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Salt a large pot of water generously, so it tastes like the sea. Bring the water to a boil and then add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions.
- Melt 1 to 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet. (Use 2 tablespoons for uber-buttery bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon for swimsuit-season bread crumbs.) Drizzle the butter over the bread crumbs in a bowl and toss to coat. Set aside.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Still whisking vigorously, slowly pour in the milk. If the sauce gets lumpy, don’t worry; just keep whisking until it becomes smooth again. Lower the heat and simmer (yes, still whisking frequently!) until creamy and smooth, 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, the pepper, and the mustard and/or nutmeg, if using. Take the pan off the heat and add 2 1/2 cups Cheddar and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and add more seasonings, if you like.
- Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot. Dump the sauce on top of the macaroni and toss thoroughly to coat. Turn out the macaroni mixture into a large cast-iron skillet, a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, or another generously sized casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining Cheddar and Parmesan.
- Bake until the crumbs are browned and the macaroni is warmed through, 20 minutes if you're in a hurry or, if you're in no rush and prefer a creamier sauce, up to an hour or so. You will need to cover the dish after 15 minutes or so to prevent the crumbs from browning too much.
- Let the macaroni and cheese rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping it out in heaping portions.
Notes
- Slightly undercook the pasta before baking to avoid mushy texture, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Leftover macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For reheating, add a small amount of milk and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through to maintain creaminess.
- Enhance this dish by adding ingredients such as bacon, smoked chorizo, lobster, grilled chicken, hot dogs, or tuna and peas for varied flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4to 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1089 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1portion | |
| Calories | 1089kcal | 54% |
| Carbohydrates | 108g | 36% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 51g | 78% |
| Saturated Fat | 31g | 155% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 147mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 1617mg | 67% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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