Description
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
:
For the Cheese Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
400g elbow macaroni or penne pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with grated Parmesan and sprinkle with paprika for color.
Bake:
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot! Perfect as a main dish or a comforting side.
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying! Perfect for cozy nights or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Enjoy every bite!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for guaranteed success. First, ensure all ingredients are measured and ready. When cooking the pasta, heavily salt the boiling water—it should taste like the sea. For the roux, whisk the butter and flour for a full two minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. When adding the milk and cream, do so in a slow, steady stream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce thicken noticeably before removing from heat; it should coat the back of a spoon. When combining, mix the sauce and pasta in the pot before transferring to the baking dish for even distribution.
Serving Suggestions
This rich dish pairs beautifully with contrasting elements. Serve it as a main course alongside a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or roasted green vegetables like broccoli. As a decadent side, it complements grilled chicken, meatloaf, or barbecue ribs. For a party, consider baking in individual ramekins for elegant, portion-controlled servings. A dash of hot sauce or a side of tangy pickles can cut through the richness perfectly.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta al dente. Create a roux with butter and flour. Whisk in milk and cream to make a béchamel. Off heat, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Combine sauce with pasta, top with Parmesan and paprika, and bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use different cheeses? Absolutely. Gruyère, Gouda, or Fontina are excellent for melting. Always include a sharp cheese like cheddar for flavor depth.
Why is my sauce grainy? Graininess often occurs from overheating the cheese. Always remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the shredded cheese until just melted.
How can I make it crispier on top? For extra crunch, mix the Parmesan with 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs before sprinkling it on top.
Can I freeze baked mac and cheese? It’s possible but not ideal, as the dairy-based sauce can separate upon reheating. For best results, consume fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: It will continue to cook in the oven. Boil only until al dente to avoid mushy results.
- Adding Cheese to High Heat: This causes the fats to separate. Always take your sauce off the burner before adding cheese.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: These contain anti-caking agents that can hinder a smooth melt. Always shred cheese from a block.
- Not Seasoning the Sauce Enough: Taste and adequately season your cheese sauce before combining with the pasta.
Conclusion
This creamy baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, balancing a velvety interior with a perfectly golden crust. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a consistently impressive dish that is both simple and spectacular. Whether for a quiet family dinner or a festive potluck, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Enjoy the rich, cheesy delight you’ve mastered.