Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, and it can be made in large batches, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. It can be cooked in a roaster oven, which is a great option when preparing food for a large group of people. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook macaroni and cheese in a roaster oven, including tips on preparing the dish ahead of time and adjusting the recipe for different serving sizes.
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the roaster oven to 425°F
To cook macaroni and cheese in a roaster oven, you'll first want to preheat your oven to 425°F. If you're using an 18-quart roaster oven, this is the ideal temperature to ensure your mac and cheese cooks evenly and efficiently.
Preheating your oven is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it ensures your food cooks at a consistent temperature throughout the duration of its cook time. This is especially important when making macaroni and cheese, as you want to make sure your cheese sauce doesn't curdle or separate.
By preheating to 425°F, you create a hot environment that will melt your cheese and butter evenly, creating a creamy and cohesive sauce. This temperature is hot enough to cook your macaroni and cheese in a reasonable amount of time, without risking burning or drying out your dish.
Keep in mind that if you're making a large batch of macaroni and cheese, you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly. For example, if you're cooking for a crowd and using a 20-quart roaster, you might need to increase the cooking time to ensure your mac and cheese is heated through. Similarly, if you're cooking in an industrial convection oven, you might need to adjust the temperature and cooking time.
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Cook macaroni in salted water
To cook macaroni in salted water, start by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. How much salt should you add? Well, most experts recommend a heaping tablespoon of salt per gallon of water (or per pound of dry pasta). Remember, salting your water is like laying the foundation of a great meal. It seasons each noodle evenly from the inside out.
Once the water is boiling, add your macaroni pasta. Cook the macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until it is tender yet firm to the bite. Depending on your preference, this should take around 5 to 8 minutes.
When the macaroni is cooked to your liking, rinse it under cold water and drain it. Now you have perfectly cooked macaroni that can be added to your favourite sauce or used in a recipe like macaroni and cheese.
Speaking of macaroni and cheese, if you're looking to cook this dish in a roaster oven, you'll first need to preheat your oven to a temperature between 350 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Once preheated, lightly grease the Cookwell with oil and add butter. Cover and cook until the butter is melted, then add the remaining ingredients, stirring until well mixed. Cover and cook for around 30 to 55 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the dish is set and the top is browned.
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Prepare the cheese sauce
To prepare the cheese sauce, you will need butter, flour, milk, and cheese. The type of cheese you use is up to you—a blend of gouda, cheddar, Swiss, and guyere is one suggestion, while another is pepper jack with grated parmesan. You can also add dijon mustard, paprika, and black pepper to taste.
First, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Next, stir in the flour and salt and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, whisk in the milk and simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Finally, add the cheese and stir until it is melted and well combined.
If you are preparing a large batch, you can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Simply warm it up before pouring it over the cooked macaroni.
For a crowd, you can cook the macaroni and cheese sauce the day before the event and store it in a pre-sprayed electric roaster pan in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, bake the covered pan in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour. Then, add shredded cheese, cover again, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
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Combine macaroni, sauce, and toppings
Once you've cooked your macaroni, it's time to combine it with your sauce and toppings.
If you're making macaroni and cheese for a large group, you can cook the pasta the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of your event. You can also make the cheese sauce in advance and store it separately, or buy pre-made cheese sauce. When you're ready to combine your ingredients, generously coat your roaster pan with non-stick cooking spray and add the pasta. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir well. If you're using a crock pot, you can add the cheese sauce to the cold pasta and store the crock pot liner in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
If you're making a smaller batch, you can cook the pasta and sauce together on the stovetop, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish. You can also add butter and other toppings, such as crushed crackers, to the macaroni and cheese before baking.
Some people like to add extra ingredients to their macaroni and cheese, such as hot dogs, steamed broccoli, dijon mustard, or different types of cheese. You can experiment with different ingredients to find your favorite combination.
Once you've combined your macaroni, sauce, and toppings, you're ready to bake your macaroni and cheese!
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Bake for 45 minutes to an hour
Once you've prepared your macaroni and cheese, it's time to bake it in the roaster oven. Baking it will give it that desirable golden brown top and ensure the cheese is melted to perfection.
First, preheat your roaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're using an 18-quart roaster oven, you can preheat it to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease or spray the inside of the roaster oven with oil or butter. This will prevent your macaroni and cheese from sticking to the surface and make cleanup easier.
Now, place your prepared macaroni and cheese mixture into the roaster oven. Cover it and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the cheese will melt, and the flavours will meld together beautifully. Depending on your oven and the amount of macaroni and cheese you're cooking, the baking time may vary. Keep an eye on your dish to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.
For a large batch of macaroni and cheese, you may need to bake it for closer to an hour, or even a bit longer. It's important to stir the dish occasionally during the baking process to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. If you're making a smaller batch, 45 minutes should be sufficient.
While your macaroni and cheese is baking, you can prepare any additional toppings or sides. Some people like to sprinkle their macaroni and cheese with crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or additional cheese before serving. Others serve it with steamed broccoli, salad, or even BBQ pork.
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