How To Make Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

There is absolutely nothing I love more than cheese. And when you add pasta to it? Fuggetaboutit.

Mac and cheese is one of those recipes that can take on so many different forms. I love it anyway I can get it but baked mac and cheese is my very favorite and Ill tell you why The topping. I use breadcrumbs for my topping occasionally, but, a Panko topped mac and cheese is just that much better.

I mix in Parmesan, butter, and paprika with the Panko so it crisps up beautifully and gets a nice golden brown color when this amazing homemade mac and cheese is baked.

Im going to be honest here. When I make mac and cheese, its the mac to cheese ratio that I am most concerned about. I love it when the mac and cheese is oeey gooey and the cheese sauce is just so creamy. GIMME.

With all this cheese going on in this macaroni and cheese recipe, I need a little help from my KitchenAid Deluxe Stand Mixer and its handy dandy Fresh Prep Slice/Shredder attachment. I picked up this beauty at Walmart this past week and I am in LOOOOOVE. I was torn between the options: SILVER | COBALT | PISTACHIO. But, when I pictured them in my kitchen, I knew I had to go with the cobalt its just stunning!

I use my stand mixer about 954 times each week. Being a food blogger and mom means Im in my kitchen a lot baking up goodies and whipping up amazing dinners like this homemade baked mac and cheese. I am always, always looking for help in the kitchen and the Kitchen Aid Deluxe Stand Mixer is the answer.

How To Make The Best Baked Macaroni And Cheese:

This recipe is the best because its SO easy to make. No fussing with making a roux or a cheese sauce.

Here are the simple steps:

Why Youll Love This Loaded Mac And Cheese Recipe:

• Cheesy: Calling all cheese lovers! This cheese is far better than anything that could ever come out of a box. Real cheddar cheese is thickened to super rich perfection in this recipe.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon fills every bite of this loaded macaroni and cheese. It makes an already delicious dish even more mouthwatering!
• Easy: This homemade recipe is SO easy to make! Youll love how simple these step by step instructions are.

Craving even more bacon? Go ahead and toss an extra crispy slice in the mix. Its your kitchen, you make the rules!

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Mikes Farm Mac And Cheese Why Is It So Good + Recipe

If you havent had Mikes Farm mac and cheese before, you likely dont know what youre missing. Its ooey, gooey, and delicious! Needless to say, we had to find you a recipe for it. So, what is Mikes Farm mac and cheese and why is it so good? Keep reading to find out. Were getting into the details now!

Hey there! This site is reader-supported and I earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from this site.

How To Make This Recipe

This is one of the easiest baked macaroni and cheese recipes Ive seen! Heres a rundown of the steps, but youll find the full recipe at the bottom of the post.

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Tips For The Best Macaroni And Cheese Youll Ever Eat

Feel like you may still need some help? If you have time, jump over to this post for the juicy details: 18 Secrets to the Richest, Creamiest Mac and Cheese Youll Ever Eat or focus on these tips:

Never stop stirring your milk once it hits the pan. If your skillet is too hot or you walk away and for a minute you could scorch the white sauce and it will curdle. It doesnt really hurt the taste, but it will look sort of clumpy. Some readers have called it grainy. It only takes 5 minutes. Just hang out and stir until that sauce is thick enough to coat the back of your spoon.

Use good cheese in your baked macaroni and cheese. That means avoiding bagged, pre-shredded cheeses because they contain cellulose that can in some cases cause your cheese not to melt as it should. -And speaking of cheese, you have so many options! My favorite is sharp cheddar and Swiss.

-Try to choose a melting cheese and a flavor cheesefor the best flavor and texture in your baked macaroni and cheese.

Do taste as you go. Taste your cheese sauce before you add your pasta. Is it bland? That can be because of the cheese you used or even the kind of salt you seasoned with. If it doesnt have enough flavor, add a pinch more salt, stir it in and taste it again until it suits you.

-Feel free to add more pasta if you want to. Some people say that this recipe doesnt have enough noodles in it, but Ive never had that problem. And yes, you should cook your pasta before adding it to the cheese sauce.

Why Is Southern Baked Mac And Cheese So Important To Black Culture

Baked mac and cheese is just one of the many soul food cuisines turned American dishes. And this yummy dish has a really old history.

Known initially as macaroni pie, baked mac and cheese was created by James Hemings, an African American enslaved and trained as a culinary chef in France.

Hemings was born in Virginia in 1765. At eight years old, he becomes one of Thomas Jeffersons many enslaved at his Monticello plantation.

At age 19, Jefferson takes young Hemings with him to France to train in the art of French cooking.

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Can You Bake This Mac And Cheese

This stovetop mac and cheese is all about convenience, but if you find yourself with some extra time and a desire for bubbly, baked mac and cheese, you can bake this recipe.

To do so, complete the first three steps above, then top with any desired toppings such as bread crumbs, Parmesan, crushed crackers, etc. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until golden-brown and bubbling.

Black Folks Baked Mac And Cheese Cooking Tips

Its time for some cooking tips!

Southern baked mac and cheese is a classic dish that everyone loves. However, it can sometimes be challenging to know how to make the perfect version of this timeless favorite, so Im here with some cooking tips for baked mac and cheese, so you never have to worry about making a bad batch again!

• Start with a good quality macaroni. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the water to keep noodles from sticking.
• Make sure youre using a baking dish thats not too deep. An 8-inch baking pan or 8-inch cast iron skillet are perfect for this oven recipe!

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Allrecipes Community Tips And Praise

“This is definitely a favorite in my house,” says Magic. “I use almond milk instead of regular milk and add chicken to make it a macaroni chicken casserole. Also added more Cheddar.”

“This recipe is unmistakably baked and homemade,” according to one Allrecipes community member. “Anyone who says they don’t like macaroni and cheese has never tried this recipe.”

“So delicious,” raves Amy Lemelin. “I added a teaspoon of crushed garlic and a dash of chili pepper. I typed with crushed saltines and cooked bacon. This is my new favorite recipe!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

A Super Flavorful Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

I know there will always be boxed macaroni & cheese and those who love it. And Ill admit it: the box has its place.

Personally, Ive never really loved it. I find that most food memories come from times derived while growing up. In our family, we never had boxed macaroni & cheese. Its not like I was a sheltered child. Instead, Mom was a frugal grocery shopper and didnt purchase foods that were not necessary. I assume she didnt see the draw, and as a kid, I didnt know if I was missing out or not.

We didnt have homemade macaroni and cheese often either, but when we did, it was great. How could creamy, cheesy pasta, usually finished with breadcrumbs on top, not be amazing? This recipe is the food memory I have with some added lusciousness and a little more flavor.

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The Best Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

The BEST Homemade Mac and Cheese of your LIFE. Outrageously cheesy, ultra creamy, and topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping, this mac and cheese recipe is most definitely a keeper. I used three different cheese and a homemade cheese sauce to take this macaroni and cheese recipe over the top. Love cheesy recipes? Make sure to try this Lazy Day Lasagna and Cheesy Kielbasa Rice and Broccoli Skillet next week for dinner!

This post is sponsored by Walmart and SheKnows Media.

About This Cajun Mac And Cheese Recipe

Everyone has there own taste preferences and my family is no different. When I prepare this creamy Cajun mac and cheese for my daughters, they always ask for Cajun seasoned prawns to be added. So I have given instructions for those below too.

When I made it for my son, he always requested no prawns. He hates them. So you could make this Cajun mac and cheese without the prawns if you like.

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How To Store Mac And Cheese

Refrigerate leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for three to four days. To reheat, stir in a splash of milk or cream and reheat in the microwave or on the stove, stirring periodically.

You can freeze mac and cheese for up to six months. Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze. When you’re ready to serve, simply transfer the dish to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheat as normal.

Can I Make This Macaroni And Cheese Ahead And Bake It When Im Ready

Yes you sure can. Just let it cool down, put some plastic wrap right against the surface of the mac and cheese and stick it in the fridge.

If you have a few minutes to bring it out and let it warm slightly before you bake it, do that. But if you cant, just bake it till the center is hot and the edges are bubbling.

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Should You Give Your Mac And Cheese A Topping

You can certainly top your mac and cheese with some Ritz crackers , or you can leave it ungarnished. But if you’re going to top that mac and cheese, it’s best to leave the dish without a topping in the oven to allow a crispy crust of cheese to form first, and then add the topping a few minutes before it’s done baking.

But to be honest, for this baked mac and cheese, we like it without a topping. The creamy interior is oh-so-satisfying with some crunchy corners and crisp bits.

These Pro Tips Will Make This Recipe A Success

• When cooking the pasta, make sure to cook the macaroni al dente. If the pasta is fully cooked before its added to the cheese sauce and then baked in the oven, it will become really mushy. If you only cook to al dente , the pasta will finish cooking correctly with the cheese.
• When mixing together the milk mixture and the cheese, if not all pieces of cheese melt right away, that is fine. When the pasta is poured over the top of the cheese, it will add additional heat, which will finish melting the cheese.
• This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and then baked when needed. Simply prepare everything, add everything to the baking dish, then cover and place it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and bake.

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Variations Of This Recipe

• PROTEIN Feel free to add in some shredded chicken, pulled pork, or some crispy bacon for an extra protein punch.
• VEGGIES Trying to get your veggies in? Stir in some steamed broccoli or cauliflower.
• TOPPINGS If you love a topping on your mac and cheese, transfer the cooked cheesy mac to a baking dish and top with either some extra cheese, buttered panko breadcrumbs, or buttered crushed Ritz crackers. Broil a few minutes until crispy.
• COOKING LIQUID If you prefer to use all chicken broth, or all water feel free to do that. Just make sure there are 4 total cups of liquid.
• DIFFERENT CHEESES Gruyere, Gouda, Fontina, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or all Cheddar. These are all good melting cheeses and will give you a smooth sauce. However, feel free to play around with different combinations that you like!

The Best Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

Homemade baked Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite dishes in the world, if not my all-time favorite. To me this is what comfort food is all about, but I dont like just any mac and cheese, it cannot come from a box. In my opinion, macaroni and cheese is all about the cheese sauce. The more cheese the better.

Everyone needs a mac and cheese recipe in their cooking repertoire, so heres my recipe thats quite simple to make and it really doesnt take more effort than opening a box of the pre-made stuff.

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What You Need To Make Baked Mac And Cheese:

Really simple ingredients in this one, and lots of room to adapt the recipe to make it your own. For this macaroni and cheese recipe, youll need:

• Elbow Macaroni other shapes will work, as will whole wheat pasta. We havent tested this with a grain-free pasta, but it would probably work. Of course, the texture would be slightly different.
• 1 pound of shredded cheese we like extra sharp cheddar, but you can use many types of cheese. We always recommend shredding your own cheese fo the best texture , but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
• Flour this helps the mac and cheese thicken up.
• Ground mustard this is totally optional but it adds depth to the flavor. You can also use dijon mustard if you dont have ground mustard.
• Milk whole, 2%, skimtheyll all work
• Butter helps you get that golden brown top on the macaroni and cheese!
• Salt and Pepper always! You wont need a lot of salt since cheese is salty.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

How long does this recipe last in the refrigerator? Can it be frozen after being prepared and before being baked?

As leftovers, this will last up to 10 days in the refrigerator. But note that the macaroni and cheese can become dense when chilled and take more time than expected to heat up.

Are there other types of cheese that would work well in this recipe?

Yes, any cheese with flavor can be added for a more adult version. Gruyere, smoked gouda, fontina, and even Brie could be added.

Can another type of pasta be used in this recipe?

Yes, any small pasta that holds onto the sauce works well. I also like to use small shells in place of elbow pasta.

Can this be a stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe?

This can be served directly from the stove but will take some additional cooking time on the stove. The time in the oven allows the cheese sauce to be absorbed fully into the pasta.

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How To Make It

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and use a silicone spatula to stir continuously for 2 minutes. Add the milk/heavy cream in small splashes, stirring continuously.

Let it heat through and thicken while you continue to stir for 5 minutes. Add the seasonings and hot sauce and remove from heat.

Gradually sprinkle in 4 cups of shredded cheese, stirring continuously until smooth. Meanwhile, boil the macaroni for 1 minute less than al dente.

Combine the drained macaroni and the cheese sauce and transfer to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

Top with 2 cups of shredded cheese and bake at 325° for 25 minutes. Broil at the end for a few minutes if desired, then serve!