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–+ servings
Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

This Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 551 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large saucepan
  • ovenproof skillet
  • Whisk
  • baking dish

Ingredients
  

Macaroni

  • 250 g macaroni (elbow pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or 2 teaspoon oil

Topping

  • ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs (Note 1)
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup flour plain / all purpose
  • 3 cups milk warmed (low or full fat)
  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheese gruyere best, followed by cheddar and Colby (Note 2)
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese or more other cheese of choice (Note 2)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Seasonings (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions
 

Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add macaroni and cook per packet directions MINUS 1 minute.
  • Drain, return pasta to pot, add butter and toss until melted. Set aside to cool while making the Sauce.

Topping

  • Mix together Topping. Set aside.

Sauce

  • Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types).
  • In a large saucepan or in an ovenproof skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  • Add about 1 cup of the milk and mix to dissolve the paste into the milk. Then add remaining milk and mix until lump free.
  • Mix in salt and Seasonings if using.
  • Cook, stirring/whisking regularly, for 5 – 8 minutes until thickened to a cream consistency.
  • Remove from stove, add cheese and stir – cheese doesn't need to melt.
  • Adjust salt to taste.

Assembling

  • Pour Sauce into pot with Macaroni. Stir quickly, then pour back into the skillet or a baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until top is light golden.
  • Serve immediately!

Notes

For the best make-ahead method, refrigerate or freeze before baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 551kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 23gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 847mgPotassium: 326mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 915IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 449mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword baked mac and cheese, baked pasta, cheesy pasta, Comfort Food, easy recipes, family meals
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