Comfort Food Baked Mac And Cheese
Highlighted under: Modern Comfort Food Ideas
I absolutely love indulging in a gooey, cheesy baked mac and cheese that warms the soul. This recipe is a true comfort dish in my kitchen, bringing back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. The creamy cheese sauce poured over perfectly cooked pasta is baked until golden and bubbly, making it irresistible. Whether it’s a rainy day or a festive occasion, this baked mac and cheese is my go-to dish that satisfies cravings and delights everyone around the table. Trust me, you'll want to have seconds!
When I first tried making baked mac and cheese, I was surprised at how simple yet satisfying it is. The secret lies in the cheese sauce; I like to mix sharp cheddar with a bit of mozzarella for that perfect stretchiness. After numerous attempts, I found that baking it just right gives a crisp top while keeping the inside creamy. It’s all about that balance!
Another tip I learned is to cook the pasta until it's just al dente before combining it with the cheese sauce. This ensures that your pasta doesn't get mushy during the baking process. Trust me, these tips make all the difference in creating the ultimate comfort food!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Decadent cheesy goodness that satisfies every craving
- Crispy topping adds a delightful texture contrast
- Versatile base that allows for endless variations and add-ins
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to get started on your delicious mac and cheese!
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs for topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Once you have everything ready, you're all set to create a delightful dish!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your perfect baked mac and cheese.
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, then add mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Add the Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms into the mixture before baking.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
→ How can I make it spicier?
You can add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to elevate the heat.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ What types of cheese can I use?
You can experiment with various cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a spicy pepper jack!
Comfort Food Baked Mac And Cheese
I absolutely love indulging in a gooey, cheesy baked mac and cheese that warms the soul. This recipe is a true comfort dish in my kitchen, bringing back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. The creamy cheese sauce poured over perfectly cooked pasta is baked until golden and bubbly, making it irresistible. Whether it’s a rainy day or a festive occasion, this baked mac and cheese is my go-to dish that satisfies cravings and delights everyone around the table. Trust me, you'll want to have seconds!
Created by: Allegra Stone
Recipe Type: Modern Comfort Food Ideas
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs for topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, then add mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms into the mixture before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g