Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, for sauce; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated; 1 tsp dry mustard powder; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, for topping; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 tsp paprika

Creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to perfection with a golden, crispy top. This classic comfort food features a rich cheese sauce and is finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

50 minMediumServes 6450 cal/serving

AmericanDinnerOvenVegetarianPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter, for sauce
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
1 tsp dry mustard powder
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, for topping
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 1 lb elbow macaroni and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
3

In a large saucepan, melt the 4 tbsp for sauce unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until smooth and bubbling slightly, but not browning.
4

Gradually whisk in the 3 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5

Remove from heat and stir in the 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Add the 1 tsp dry mustard powder, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.
6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7

In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp paprika, and melted 2 tbsp melted, for topping unsalted butter. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
8

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
9

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
10

Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Baked Mac and Cheese?

As written, 50 minutes: 20 of prep and 30 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 9 (30 minutes): "Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling."

What oven temperature does Baked Mac and Cheese need?

For Baked Mac and Cheese, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 30 minutes, in step 9.

Is there a substitute for Gruyere in Baked Mac and Cheese?

The entry for Baked Mac and Cheese calls for 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated. In its place: Emmental, Jarlsberg or a good Swiss cheese melts the same way. Comte is the closest in flavor.

Can I make Baked Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Baked Mac and Cheese is 1 lb elbow macaroni, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time; the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works); the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

Is Baked Mac and Cheese vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 4 tbsp unsalted butter, for sauce, 3 cups whole milk, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dinner collection.

How many calories are in Baked Mac and Cheese?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 450 calories, with 22 g protein, 42 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 620 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Baked Mac and Cheese?

Refrigerate what is left of Baked Mac and Cheese within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat covered in a 300 F oven until warmed through. The pasta keeps drinking the sauce as it sits; loosen it with a splash of water or stock.

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