Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish for both children and adults, and it's easy to see why. This rich and creamy comfort food is a versatile dish that can be served as a main or side, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Preparing macaroni and cheese in advance can be a great way to save time and effort, and there are a few simple steps you can follow to ensure your make-ahead mac and cheese is perfect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 325-375°F |
| Baking time | 20-80 minutes |
| Pasta | Elbow macaroni, cooked al dente |
| Pasta quantity | 4 cups |
| Sauce | Butter, flour, salt, pepper, milk, cheese |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gouda, Smoked Gouda, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Colby |
| Toppings | Breadcrumbs, Bacon Bits |
| Sides | Green salad, simple vegetable dish, Baked Pork Chops, Steak, Roast Chicken, Crispy Garlic Chicken Thighs |
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What You'll Learn
Undercook the macaroni
When making macaroni and cheese, it is important to undercook the macaroni before baking it in the oven. This is because the macaroni will continue to cook in the oven, so if it is baked until fully cooked, it will end up overcooked and mushy.
To undercook the macaroni, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente, or still firm to the bite. You can test this by biting into a noodle—it should still have a ring of hard, white pasta in the middle when you bite in. Drain the macaroni when it reaches this stage and proceed with your recipe as instructed.
If you are making a no-boil macaroni and cheese, you can skip boiling the macaroni altogether and assemble your dish with the other ingredients before baking it in the oven. This saves time and reduces the number of dishes you need to wash up.
Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your recipe before assembling and baking your macaroni and cheese. This will ensure that your dish cooks evenly and that the macaroni is cooked through but not overcooked.
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Prepare the roux
To prepare the roux, start by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. The butter should be melted but not browned. You can use salted or unsalted butter, but if you use salted butter, be mindful of how much additional salt you add.
Next, add flour, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir or whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined. You are aiming for a paste-like consistency. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring often, to cook out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in milk, whisking or stirring constantly. You can use whole milk or a combination of milk and half-and-half. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Be careful not to let the milk burn. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, until it has thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
Finally, slowly stir in shredded cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can use other types of cheese or a combination of cheeses.
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Make the cheese sauce
Macaroni and cheese is a delicious and comforting meal that can be easily prepared with just a few simple steps. One of the most important components of this dish is the cheese sauce, which gives it its signature creamy texture and cheesy flavour. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the perfect cheese sauce for your macaroni and cheese:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering your ingredients. For the cheese sauce, you will need butter, flour, milk, and of course, cheese! The type of cheese you use is up to your personal preference, but classic options include cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination of these. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect blend. Freshly grate your cheese, as this will ensure it melts smoothly and blends seamlessly into your sauce.
Melt the Butter:
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the butter from burning. This forms the base of your roux, which is a thickening agent for your sauce.
Add Flour, Salt, and Pepper:
Once the butter is melted, it's time to add the flour. Sprinkle in an equal amount of flour as you have butter, creating a paste-like consistency. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. At this point, you can also add salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking the mixture for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook through.
Slowly Add Milk:
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. The milk will help to thin out the sauce and create a creamy consistency. Keep stirring to prevent the milk from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue until the mixture is smooth, bubbling, and has a thick consistency similar to gravy. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the Cheese:
Now for the best part—adding the cheese! Slowly stir in your grated cheese of choice. Add the cheese in small increments, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the sauce smoothly. Continue until all the cheese has been added and the sauce is smooth and cheesy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of dry mustard for a tangy sharpness.
Combine with Cooked Macaroni:
Finally, combine your cheese sauce with cooked macaroni. Drain your cooked macaroni and stir it into the cheese sauce until all the noodles are evenly coated. At this point, you can also add any additional mix-ins, such as cooked meats or vegetables, if desired.
Remember, the key to a great cheese sauce is patience and constant stirring. Take your time, and feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese!
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Combine macaroni and sauce
Once you have cooked your macaroni, it is time to combine it with the sauce. Drain the cooked macaroni and set it aside.
To make the sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You can use salted or unsalted butter, but if you use unsalted, you may want to add a little more salt to the sauce. Add flour, salt, and pepper to the melted butter and stir until smooth. You can also add mustard powder for a tangy sharpness. Slowly pour in milk and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Be careful not to let the milk burn.
Once the milk mixture is smooth and bubbling, it is time to add the cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination of your favorites. Slowly stir in the cheese until it is smooth and melted.
Finally, add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and toss to coat the noodles evenly. Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish. You can sprinkle more shredded cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy dish.
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Bake and serve
Baked mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser and a great dish for busy weeknight meals, potlucks, or even Thanksgiving. It's a simple dish to prepare, and there's lots of room to adapt the recipe to make it your own.
Preparation
First, preheat your oven to between 325°F and 375°F. Grease a 2-quart or 3-quart baking dish (9x13").
Next, boil your macaroni in a large pot of salted water until it is tender but still quite firm, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the macaroni and drizzle with olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
While the macaroni is cooking, shred your cheese and toss it together. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, gruyere, gouda, mozzarella, smoked gouda, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Colby. Divide the cheese into piles for the sauce, inner layer, and topping.
Sauce
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook flour in the melted butter until golden, then whisk in milk or half-and-half, bringing the sauce to a boil. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and whisk in the shredded cheese.
Assembly
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Transfer half of the mac and cheese to the baking dish, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Top with the remaining mac and cheese, then finish with another layer of shredded cheese.
Baking
Bake for 20 to 45 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. The top should be crispy, while the bottom should be soft and creamy.
Serving
Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, but it tends to dry out a little when reheated.
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Frequently asked questions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add dried macaroni and cook until al dente, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, salt, and pepper, and stir until smooth. Pour in milk and stir until the mixture is bubbling. Finally, add the cheese and stir until smooth and melted.
Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake at 325-375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden.
