The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Try this recipe for The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese, or contribute your own.
Try this recipe for The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper white or black
- 12 cups grated cheese (a mixture of extra-sharp white ched sharp cheddar, and extra-sharp cheddar or gruyere--if using the kraft cracker barrel blocks that i highly recommend, you will need six 8 oz. blocks. i use two of each.)
- 1 pound macaroni cooked and drained
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- Carbohydrate 10.9881966570968 g
- Cholesterol 64.9110000343348 mg
- Fat 21.9185915524731 g
- Fiber 0.173111461528585 g
- Protein 5.12685719201635 g
- Saturated Fat 13.6385142982931 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -12 (208g)
- Sodium 139.513241817587 mg
- Sugar 10.8150851955682 g
- Trans Fat 1.4180690423316 g
- Calories 258 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, and spread foil inside a large cookie sheet for the dish to sit in. Or you could just plan to clean your oven.
- Grate all the cheese into a large bowl.
- Remove six cups of cheese to another bowl and set aside. This is for the sauce.
- Melt butter completely in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. (I use the same stockpot in which I cooked the noodles.)
- Slowly whisk in flour until smooth.
- Cook, whisking continuously, for about two minutes.
- Slowly whisk in half-and-half and milk and whisk continuously for about 8 minutes until thickened.
- Remove pot from heat.
- Stir in salt and pepper.
- Stir in 6 cups of grated cheese and continue stirring until cheese is completely melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce and mix well, until noodles are incorporated into sauce.
- Slowly mix 3 cups grated cheese into the noodles.
- Pour noodles and cheese sauce into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 3 cups of grated cheese on top of the noodles.
- Bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes to develop a nice, browned, crusty top.
The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic
Oh, macaroni and cheese. The very words conjure up images of golden-brown, bubbly goodness, a dish that transcends generations and cultural boundaries. For me, it's more than just a meal; it's a memory, a hug in a bowl, a taste of home. This recipe, my friends, is the culmination of years of experimenting, tweaking, and perfecting the ultimate baked mac and cheese. It's rich, creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. I've been making this dish for years, refining it with each attempt, and I'm finally ready to share my secret with the world (or at least, with you!).
As a busy working mom, finding time to prepare a delicious and comforting meal isn't always easy. But this baked mac and cheese is a lifesaver. It’s incredibly versatile; you can make it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, perfect for those hectic weeknights. And believe me, the aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes is enough to make everyone forget about their stress. The key is using high-quality ingredients. Don't skimp on the cheese! A blend of sharp cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar, and maybe even a little Gruyere creates the perfect cheesy flavor profile. The creamy sauce, made with a combination of milk and half-and-half, adds another layer of richness that takes this dish to the next level.
The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make! The instructions are straightforward, and even if you're not a seasoned chef, you can absolutely pull this off. This recipe isn't just for special occasions; it’s perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a potluck. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your kitchen just as it has in mine. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare for a taste of pure comfort. The creamy, cheesy goodness awaits! And don’t forget that crispy, golden-brown top – the ultimate reward for your culinary efforts. This is comfort food at its finest, a dish that will warm your heart and soul with every bite.
I often find myself making a double batch of this mac and cheese. One pan is for dinner tonight, and the other gets carefully wrapped and stashed away in the freezer for a future quick meal. Imagine: a busy Tuesday night, and suddenly you're craving that delicious cheesy goodness. No problem! Just pop the frozen casserole into the oven, and in a short time, you're enjoying a restaurant-quality meal without any of the fuss or expense. Truly, this is a recipe for busy lives.
Beyond the sheer deliciousness, there's a wonderful sense of satisfaction that comes with making this dish from scratch. It's a chance to slow down, connect with the process of cooking, and create something truly special for yourself and your loved ones. The aroma alone is enough to transform a mundane weeknight into something magical. It’s a recipe that embodies the heart of home cooking – simple ingredients, transformed into something extraordinary through a little bit of love and care. And don't forget the joy of seeing the smiles on your family’s faces as they take that first bite. That, my friends, is the true measure of success in the kitchen.
So, go ahead and try this recipe. Let me know in the comments how it turns out! I'm confident that this version of baked mac and cheese will become your new go-to comfort food classic. And remember, don't be afraid to experiment! Try adding different types of cheese, or maybe some sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
