The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

Picture yourself diving into a perfectly baked dish where tender macaroni noodles embrace a rich, velvety cheese sauce, all topped with a golden-brown, crispy crust. This homemade baked mac and cheese recipe transforms simple ingredients into the ultimate comfort food masterpiece.

If you're looking for a dish that brings both nostalgia and gourmet flair to your table, you've found it. Much like our Cajun Mac and Cheese, this classic version delivers pure comfort in every bite, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

Whether you're serving it as a hearty main dish or as a side to complement meals like our Smothered Chicken Breast, this mac and cheese recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food favorite.

The Ultimate Comfort Food: Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese

This isn't just any mac and cheese – it's a carefully crafted blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can't match. Similar to our Momma's Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crispy.

The secret lies in the homemade cheese sauce, which starts with a classic roux and transforms into a silky smooth béchamel before being loaded with perfectly selected cheeses. When paired with al dente macaroni and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, it creates a dish that's reminiscent of Mac N Cheese but with an elevated, homemade touch.

Pro Tips for Mac and Cheese Perfection:

1. Choose Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties for the smoothest sauce possible. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
2. Perfect Pasta: Cook your macaroni just until al dente – it will continue cooking in the oven, and you want to avoid mushy pasta.
3. Smooth Sauce: Gradually add warm milk to your roux while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Temperature Matters: Let your cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce for the smoothest incorporation.
5. Crispy Topping: For extra crunch, toss your breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling them on top.

The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Equipment: Large saucepan, 9x13 baking dish, cheese grater

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces macaroni pasta
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Create the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a golden roux.
4. Make the Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece of pasta evenly.
7. Transfer and Top: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Ready to Serve!

Let your mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion and serve. Each spoonful delivers the perfect combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta, crowned with that irresistible crispy topping.

Storage Solutions:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and cover with foil to help restore the creamy texture. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

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