Baked Mac and Cheese

Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese: The Creamiest & Crispiest Cheesy Delight 🧀✨🥘

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a delicious baked mac and cheese recipe that combines creamy textures with a crispy topping, you’ve come to the right place. This Max And Cheese Casserole is the best Max And Cheese Recipe Baked option to satisfy any cheese lover. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a comforting weekend treat, this bakes mac and cheese recipe is guaranteed to impress. Rich, cheesy, and with a delightful crust, this crispy baked mac and cheese is what every cheese aficionado dreams of.

2. Ingredient List for the Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese

• 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for topping
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for the crust

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Mac and Cheese

Preparation of the Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside. For an added flavor boost, consider sharing this step with our easy pasta recipes.

Making the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Combining Pasta and Cheese

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Preparing the Crispy Crust

Mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter or olive oil for extra crunch. Sprinkle this on top of the pasta mixture to create the perfect crust for your baked mac and cheese.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

4. Tips for Achieving the Best Cheesy Mac and Cheese

• Use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Parmesan for rich flavor.
• Cook your pasta until just al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
• For extra flavor, add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Ensure the breadcrumb topping is evenly distributed for a uniform crispy crust.

5. Storage Tips and Reheating

Leftover baked mac and cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or oven-bake at 350°F (180°C) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and consider adding a sprinkle of cheese or breadcrumbs before reheating for that fresh-crust finish.

6. Serving Suggestions for Baked Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken. For a complete comfort meal, serve alongside our smothered chicken and rice. Consider garnishing with chopped parsley or a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.

7. FAQs About Baked Mac and Cheese

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the max and cheese casserole in advance, assemble it, and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Q: What variations can I add to this recipe?

Feel free to customize your baked mac and cheese with cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a dash of hot sauce. Experimenting with different cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Velveeta can also add unique flavors.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your breadcrumb topping is gluten-free. The cheesy sauce can be adjusted with gluten-free flour or cornstarch as thickening agents.

8. Final Thoughts on the Best Max And Cheese Recipe

In summary, this baked mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food that combines creamy textures with satisfying crunch. By following these simple steps and tips, you will create the best mac and cheese recipe baked that rivals restaurant-quality dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this crusted mac and cheese promises to deliver cheesy, crispy goodness every time.

9. Conclusion

Stop searching for the best max and cheese recipe and try this foolproof baked mac and cheese recipe today! It’s an indulgent, cheesy, and crispy dish that everyone will love. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or weekend treats, this bakes mac and cheese recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food perfection. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a plate of the most delicious cheesy baked casserole you’ve ever tasted.

Baked Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Comfort Food

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Description

Ultimate Baked Mac and Cheese: The Creamiest & Crispiest Cheesy Delight 🧀✨🥘. This baked mac and cheese recipe offers a perfect blend of creamy cheese sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, making it the ultimate comfort food for any cheese lover. Rich, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy, this dish is guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for topping
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter for the crust

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
3. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
4. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
5. Pour the cheese sauce over cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated. Transfer into a greased baking dish.
6. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter or olive oil, then sprinkle on top of the pasta mixture.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

Notes

• Use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Parmesan for rich flavor.
• Cook pasta until just al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
• Add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or hot sauce for variation.
• Ensure breadcrumbs are evenly distributed for a uniform crispy crust.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 420 Kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 85mg