Kamil Perry
Baked macaroni and cheese is a popular comfort food and a family favourite. It is easy to make and can be prepared in advance. The recipe includes a combination of cheeses, layered in the dish and melted into a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The pasta is boiled until al dente and mixed with the sauce. The mixture is then baked in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The dish can be customised with various add-ins and toppings, such as shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, or a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baking temperature | 350°F (175°C) |
| Baking time | 10-15 minutes |
| Pasta | Elbow macaroni |
| Pasta cooking time | 4-5 minutes |
| Pasta texture | Al dente |
| Sauce | Cheese sauce |
| Sauce ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, shredded cheese |
| Toppings | Breadcrumbs, cheese, crackers |
| Seasonings | Garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, hot sauce, dried herbs |
| Add-ins | Shredded chicken, sautéed onion, bell peppers, bacon, hot dogs, glazed carrots |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the pasta
Step 1: Choose the Right Pasta
Select a type of pasta that is suitable for baked macaroni and cheese. Elbow macaroni is a popular choice for this dish, but other short pasta shapes can also work well. Look for dried pasta, as this will hold its shape better during baking.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and place it on a stove burner set to high heat. Bring the water to a rolling boil. You can add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavour of the pasta. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the dried pasta to the pot. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
Step 3: Undercook the Pasta
The pasta should be undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven when baked. Follow the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes for al dente pasta. You can test the pasta after 5 minutes of cooking by tasting a noodle. If it is still very firm, continue cooking for another minute or so. The pasta should be tender yet firm to the bite.
Step 4: Drain and Cool the Pasta
Once the pasta is cooked to the desired doneness, drain it in a colander. Rinsing the pasta with cold water can help stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking. Allow the pasta to cool slightly. You can lightly coat the pasta with butter at this stage to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming bloated during baking.
Step 5: Combine with Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and cooled pasta with a delicious, creamy cheese sauce. Stir the pasta and sauce together until they are fully combined. The cheese sauce can be made while the pasta is cooking to save time. A basic cheese sauce typically involves making a roux with butter and flour, then adding milk and shredded cheese.
Now that the pasta is prepared and coated in a decadent cheese sauce, it is ready to be layered and baked to perfection!
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Making the cheese sauce
To make the cheese sauce, start by creating a roux base. Melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat and then add an equal amount of flour. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it turns golden and begins to smell toasted. This should take around one to one and a half minutes.
Next, slowly pour in your milk of choice. You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or a combination of both for a creamier sauce. Keep stirring as you add the milk to prevent lumps from forming. If necessary, switch to a whisk to get rid of any stubborn lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it thickens.
Now it's time to add the cheese. Grate your own cheese for the best results, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly. Add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring until it melts before adding more. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, gouda, smoked gouda, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Colby. Feel free to mix and match cheeses according to your preference.
Finally, season the sauce to taste. You can add salt, seasoned salt, pepper, and other optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, or hot sauce. Remember to taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Once your cheese sauce is ready, you can combine it with your cooked macaroni and proceed with the baking instructions.
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Layering the dish
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Firstly, cook the pasta until it is al dente. This is usually 2-5 minutes less than the package instructions, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Be sure to boil the pasta in salted water, and drain it once it is ready. To prevent the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy, it is important to undercook it at this stage.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
The cheese sauce is a key component of baked macaroni and cheese. Start by melting butter in a saucepan, then add flour and cook until it turns golden. This forms a roux, which helps to thicken the sauce. Next, gradually add milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook until it thickens. Remove from the heat and add shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and you have a creamy, cheesy sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Layer the Dish
Now it's time to assemble the dish! Pour half of the cooked macaroni into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly and top it with a generous layer of shredded cheese. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of your favourites, such as cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, or gouda. Repeat the layers, adding the remaining macaroni and another layer of cheese. The final layer should be a generous amount of cheese, which will create a crispy, golden topping when baked.
Step 4: Baking
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. For an extra crispy topping, uncover the dish for the last few minutes of baking.
Tips for Layering:
- Be generous with the cheese, especially on the top layer, to ensure a crispy, golden topping.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination.
- You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to two days.
- If baking from refrigerated, increase the baking time to 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
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Baking the macaroni
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C). The macaroni and cheese should be baked in a buttered baking dish. The baking time will depend on whether the dish has been refrigerated or frozen beforehand. If the dish has been freshly prepared, it should be baked for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If the dish has been refrigerated, it should be baked for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If the dish has been frozen, it should be thawed before baking for the same amount of time as a freshly prepared dish.
To prevent the macaroni and cheese from drying out, it can be baked covered. A crispy, crunchy top layer of cheese or breadcrumbs can also be created by baking the dish uncovered. This top layer helps to hold in the moisture and adds a textural contrast to the soft, creamy macaroni and cheese.
The baked macaroni and cheese should be removed from the oven when it is creamy, cheesy, and decadent. It can be served as a meal in itself or as a side dish.
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Serving suggestions
Baked macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a comforting main course or side dish at various gatherings, from family dinners to holiday meals and potlucks. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this crowd-pleaser:
Serving Size and Side Dishes
The suggested serving size for baked macaroni and cheese varies, with some recipes yielding 6 servings and others suggesting 10-12 servings. Consider your guest list and adjust the recipe accordingly. When served as a main course, you can pair it with side dishes like steamed broccoli, a fresh salad, or glazed carrots.
Customization and Add-Ins
Baked macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that allows for customization. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, Swiss, gruyere, mozzarella, smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a combination of your favourites. Additionally, you can add extra ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture, such as dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, hot sauce, or breadcrumbs.
Presentation and Texture
The presentation and texture of baked macaroni and cheese can be adjusted to your preference. For a crispy top, bake it uncovered. If you prefer a softer texture, cover the dish with foil while baking. You can also adjust the baking time to achieve your desired level of crispness or meltiness. Remember to let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the milk to be absorbed and the flavours to settle.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Baked macaroni and cheese can be prepared in advance and stored unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This makes it convenient for preparing ahead of time for a party or large gathering. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave, although they may become slightly drier.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use your favourite cheese! Popular options include cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, gouda, smoked gouda, swiss, monterey jack, colby jack, and colby.
You should undercook the pasta by boiling it for 2-5 minutes less than the package instructions. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
Start by making a roux with butter and flour. Then, whisk in milk and bring the sauce to a boil. Finally, whisk in shredded cheese.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
