The Best Baked Macaroni Cheese Recipe Ever

August 14, 2023 Post a Comment

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Baked Macaroni and Cheese A Taste of Madness Recipe Baked mac and cheese recipe, Macaroni from www.pinterest.com

Description

There's nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of macaroni and cheese. This recipe takes that comfort to the next level with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a comforting family meal.

Prep Time

Prep time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes.

Cook Time

Cook time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

Large pot
9x13 inch baking dish
Whisk
Spatula
Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl

Method

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and golden brown.
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Add the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, and stir until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
In a small bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pour the macaroni and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and use gluten-free macaroni.

Nutrition Info

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. Each serving contains:

Calories: 617
Total fat: 34g
Saturated fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 97mg
Sodium: 585mg
Total carbohydrate: 51g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Total sugars: 9g
Protein: 27g

Recipes FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the point of adding the breadcrumb topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! You can freeze the macaroni and cheese before or after baking. To freeze before baking, prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the breadcrumb topping, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the breadcrumb topping before baking as directed. To freeze after baking, let the macaroni and cheese cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and you can use any combination of cheeses that you like. Some other great options include fontina, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese.

Recipe Tips

For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon, diced ham, or sliced jalapeños to the macaroni and cheese before baking.
If you like a really crispy topping, try broiling the macaroni and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
If you're short on time, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of making your own.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.