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Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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For the Topping:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
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Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

  • In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  • Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Once the sauce has thickened, season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder (if using). Then, gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

  • Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure the pasta is well covered, and there are no dry spots.

4. Transfer to a Baking Dish:

  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

5. Prepare the Topping:

  • In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, stirring to coat the breadcrumbs evenly. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

6. Bake:

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You can also broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to get the breadcrumbs extra crispy, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

7. Serve:

  • Once the macaroni and cheese is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out portions and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with that irresistible crunchy topping.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese:

  1. Use a Cheese Blend:
    While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby. A mix of cheeses will give the sauce more complexity and a richer flavor.
  2. Make It Creamier:
    If you prefer an even creamier texture, consider adding cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. This will enhance the richness and smoothness of the cheese sauce.
  3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
    Be careful not to overcook the pasta. Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, slightly undercooking it ensures that it stays al dente and doesn’t become mushy.
  4. Add Mix-ins:
    Old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese is versatile. You can add cooked bacon, sauteed onions, or even a handful of spinach for a twist. If you like a little heat, toss in some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  5. Make Ahead:
    This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the macaroni and cheese, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

Healthier Alternatives:

If you’re looking to make a lighter version of this classic dish, consider the following adjustments:

  • Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk to reduce the calories, but keep in mind this may affect the creaminess of the sauce.
  • Use whole wheat pasta to add fiber to the dish.
  • Opt for reduced-fat cheese or a combination of cheese and a lower-fat alternative to reduce the fat content.

Conclusion:

Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. This recipe is a perfect way to bring the nostalgic flavors of a classic favorite to your table. With its rich cheese sauce, tender pasta, and crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s sure to be a hit at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any time you crave a hearty, satisfying meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a plate of the best macaroni and cheese you’ve ever tasted!