Introduction:
There’s an undeniable magic in the union of creamy cheese and tender pasta. A dance of flavors, textures, and sheer comfort; our Baked Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe is the stuff of legends. Dive into a dish where every spoonful promises golden, cheesy ecstasy and the crispy top is the golden crown of this comfort kingdom. It’s not just food; it’s a trip down memory lane, a warm hug on a cold day, and the ultimate comfort meal rolled into one. Ready to dive in?
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 200 grams or 0.44 lbs)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 400 grams or 0.88 lbs)
- 2 ½ cups milk (about 600 ml)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (about 60 grams or 0.13 lbs)
- 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour (about 20 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup bread crumbs (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large pot, boil water and cook the elbow macaroni al dente, following package directions. Drain well.
- In another pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, so no lumps form. Bring to a simmer. Add salt and pepper.
- Add 3 cups of cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by bread crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips or Notes:
- Feel free to add extras like cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or even some steamed broccoli for a twist.
- For an extra crispy topping, add a few dollops of butter over the bread crumbs before baking.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda to elevate the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this ahead?
- Absolutely. You can prepare the dish, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. Add a few minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Can I use gluten-free pasta?
- Yes, just make sure to cook it according to its package instructions as it might have a different cooking time.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until hot and bubbly.