How To Make Baked Mac And Cheese

To make the best baked mac and cheese, you have to start with the best selection of ingredients. Here is what you will need to make this recipe:

• Pasta: The best pasta for macaroni and cheese is the macaroni pasta aka the elbow macaroni. This works for a number of reasons but you could also swap this pasta with other short pasta like shells, penne, or rotini. If you’re making a gluten-free version, feel free to add in a gluten-free option. This recipe calls for 2 cups of elbow macaroni which makes up to 6 servings.
• Cheddar and Gruyere Cheese: The cheese sauce is arguably the most important component of baked mac and cheese. The kind of cheese you choose significantly affects the end result. We suggest you go for sharp cheddar because it has a tangy and cheesy flavor that gives it the classic taste. However, you’re free to choose other options like mild Colby or fiery pepper jack.
  Similarly, Gruyere is the best option to layer on top of your mac and cheese as it provides a creamy texture to the whole thing. You will need 1 and a half cups each of cheddar and Gruyere for this recipe.
• All-purpose flour: You will need all-purpose flour to make the roux that forms the base of your cheese sauce. This recipe calls for ½ cup all-purpose flour but you can change the proportion if you like. You can also swap in the flour for a gluten-free version.
• Unsalted butter: Get ½ cup and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to make the roux and to toast your breadcrumbs. You could use salted butter but be careful about the amount of salt you add to the dish later on.
• Whole Milk: For the best baked mac and cheese, full-fat whole milk is the only way to go. Even though skimmed milk does the job, the creaminess of whole milk is what makes the cheese sauce shine. Grab 3 cups of whole milk for this recipe.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: If you’re a fan of the crispy top on baked mac and cheese like us, panko bread crumbs are what you need. These are crispy which ensures that your top looks visually stunning while also being light and crunchy. You will need ½ cup panko bread crumbs.

Baking mac and cheese enhances its flavor and texture. Just make sure to follow the instructions below and you will have a delicious comfort waiting in no time.

1. Cook The Pasta

The first step in making mac and cheese is to cook the pasta. Take a large pot of unsalted water and bring it to a boil. Then, add in two cups of elbow macaroni. Cook it as per the package instructions but stop about 1 minute before the designated time. This ensures that your pasta is al dente. Drain it with cold water and set aside.

2. Make Your Sauce

It's time to make your cheese sauce. Start by melting ½ cup of unsalted butter on a pan. Once the butter is melted, add in the all-purpose flour and toast it until it has a nutty taste. Then, slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking and let it come to a boil.

This will take you about 5 minutes as bubbles appear and the mixture begins to thicken. Set aside half a cup of cheese for topping and add the rest of it to the mixture. Continue stirring until the cheese is entirely melted. Add in salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add Pasta To Your Sauce

Add your drained pasta to the sauce and stir well until it is properly coated. Then, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure that the pasta is distributed properly throughout the dish as it allows the whole thing to cook evenly.

4. Toast The Breadcrumbs

Take 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and heat it in a small skillet. Add in the breadcrumbs and toast them until they are golden brown. Also, season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble In A Baking Dish

The next step is to assemble the dish. Take your baking dish with the pasta and the sauce mixture and sprinkle over it the toast breadcrumbs. Make sure to evenly distribute the breadcrumbs so that each spoonful gets a slightly crispy top. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top along with the breadcrumbs for an additional cheese pull.

6. Bake

Bake the dish in the preheated oven at 375°F for 35 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden brown in color. Once done, allow it to cool for 20 minutes and serve.

The baking time for mac and cheese depends on the portion size and the desired outcome. This recipe includes 35 minutes of baking time in a preheated oven at 350-375°F.

However, if you want a creamier texture, reduce the baking time to 20 minutes. The cooking time also depends on the depth of the dish as deeper dishes might require 5 minutes more. If the top gets brown too quickly, cover it with a foil.

• Choose the right pasta: Use short, sturdy pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi as these provide the right texture to your macaroni and cheese.

• Use a blend of cheeses: Combine sharp cheddar for flavor with meltier cheeses like Gruyère or fontina. A mix of cheese elevates your cheese sauce and results in an additional dimension of flavor.

• Warm the milk: Add warm milk to your roux to prevent lumps and speed up thickening. You can also use heavy cream if you want to make it extra creamy.

• Let it rest: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set.

• Avoid pre-shredded cheese: Grate your own for better melting and flavor.

• Roasted Broccoli: This goes well with baked mac and cheese because it provides a healthy, green contrast to the rich mac and cheese. The slight bitterness and crunch complement the creamy pasta

• Pulled Pork: It's always a good idea to pair mac and cheese with flavorful meat. This classic barbecue combination is a match made in heaven.
• Caesar Salad: If you want something light and crispy to go with the rich mac and cheese, Caesar salad is the way to go. Go with a tangy dressing which helps cut through the richness of the cheese.

To store leftover baked mac and cheese, allow it to cool completely at room temperature, but don't leave it out for more than two hours. Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. 

You can refrigerate the dish for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. However, we do not recommend you store the baked mac and cheese for more than 5 days as it loses flavor and texture.