Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Golden Baked Mac and Cheese. This dish is a creamy and cheesy delight, featuring tender macaroni enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Baked to golden perfection, it's the perfect balance of comforting flavors and textures, ideal for family meals or a hearty side dish.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- This recipe serves 6 people.
- Each serving is a hearty portion of mac and cheese.
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: 450 g (1 lb)
- Butter: 60 g (1/4 cup)
- All-purpose flour: 30 g (1/4 cup)
- Milk: 1 liter (4 cups)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated: 450 g (4 cups)
- Bread crumbs: 100 g (1 cup)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Paprika: 1 tsp
Method of Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in 3 cups of cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Mix the remaining cheese with breadcrumbs and paprika. Sprinkle over the macaroni.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream to the cheese sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- Add a pinch of mustard powder to the cheese sauce for an extra zing.
FAQs
Can I add other ingredients to the mac and cheese?
Yes, feel free to add cooked bacon, broccoli, or jalapeños for a twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and flour to make a gluten-free version.