Cracking Good Easy Baked Mac Cheese a Proper Comfort Food Classic

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper comfort food? This baked mac and cheese recipe is like a warm hug on a plate. Think creamy, cheesy heaven with a golden, bubbly crust.

Brief Overview

Mac and cheese? A classic! But this one is baked , so its extra special. The beauty of the Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe is its simplicity.

Ready in under an hour and serves 6-8 hungry people.

Main Benefits

Honestly, this is a family friendly mac and cheese bake that even fussy eaters will love. It's packed with calcium and protein, thanks to all that cheesy goodness.

This is perfect for a Good macaroni and cheese recipe , for a cozy night in or a potluck with your mates.

It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies if you're feeling adventurous.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Right, so what do you need to make this creamy baked mac and cheese dream a reality? First, grab a pound of elbow macaroni pasta.

Then, it is also very important to have some butter, flour, milk, and, of course, tons of cheese. You’ll need cheddar and Monterey Jack for maximum cheesiness.

We will create a best ever mac and cheese baked macaroni dish.

Setting The Stage

Before we get started, preheat your oven to 350° F. Grab your favourite 9x13 inch baking dish and let’s get this show on the road.

I cannot wait for you to try this classic baked mac and cheese recipe ! Believe me. This is a Mac and cheese recipe soul food to die for.

So let's get cooking and create some Macaroni and cheese homemade delight!.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Mac Daddy of Prep

So, you’re ready to dive headfirst into this Cracking Good Easy Baked Mac & Cheese , yeah? Before we get elbow deep in cheesy goodness, let's talk about what you’ll actually need.

Think of this as your culinary treasure hunt!

Main Ingredients: The Cheesy Stars

Alright, listen up! This isn't just any Good Macaroni and Cheese Recipe , this is an experience. Here’s what you need to create this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe , measurement included!

• Pasta Power :
  • 1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni. Seriously, elbow macaroni only.
  • Water: Enough to drown that pasta.
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) salt. Because bland pasta is no ones friend.
• Cheese Sauce Dream :
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter. Go for the good stuff.
  • 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour.
  • 3 cups (710ml) whole milk. Gotta make it creamy baked mac and cheese , right?
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. It's optional but adds a fancy touch.
  • 4 cups (400g) shredded cheddar cheese. Please shred it yourself.
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mozzarella or Colby are fine too.
• Optional Topping Tango :
  • ½ cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs. For that satisfying crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter. The secret to golden perfection.

If your cheddar is looking a little sad, maybe grab a fresh block. This will make for the Best Ever Mac And Cheese Baked Macaroni .

Remember, quality ingredients make all the difference. If you are shooting for Mac and Cheese Recipe Soul Food , remember this.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Symphony

Let's get this Family friendly mac and cheese bake taste amazing. Seasoning is key! A simple combo of salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg works wonders.

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a deeper flavour, try a dash of smoked paprika.

Don't be shy to add a pinch of italian seasoning, to upgrade your Classic baked mac and cheese recipe .

Equipment Needed: Your Culinary Arsenal

You don’t need fancy gadgets. These are the essentials to turn this Macaroni and Cheese Homemade

• A big pot. For the pasta to do its thing.
• A colander. To drain that pasta like a pro.
• A saucepan or Dutch oven. For the cheese sauce magic.
• A whisk. To banish those lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. The stage for our masterpiece.

If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch! Let's get started on the Easy baked mac and cheese recipe ! Think of a Cheesy baked pasta casserole coming out of the oven.

Cracking Good Easy Baked Mac & Cheese : A Proper Comfort Food Classic

Oh my gosh, who doesn't love mac and cheese? Seriously! This isn't just any old mac and cheese recipe, though.

This baked mac and cheese recipe is pure comfort food heaven. It's got that golden, bubbly top and the creamiest, cheesiest inside.

Perfect for a midweek dinner or a weekend potluck trust me, it's a winner! This cheesy baked pasta casserole will become one of your favs!

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted!

Before we get cooking, let's get organised, yeah? It’s called mise en place in fancy chef lingo. Basically, have all your ingredients measured and ready.

This saves you from that frantic "Oh crumbs, where's the milk?!" moment mid-recipe. Trust me, I've been there. So first boil water, then measure the flour, and shred your cheese, it is going to make your life easier.

step-by-step to Cheesy Goodness:

Ready to get your bake on? Follow these simple steps, and you'll have the best ever mac and cheese in no time!

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your 1 pound of elbow macaroni until al dente . Remember, it'll cook more in the oven.
2. Make the roux: Melt 6 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in 1/3 cup of flour. Cook for 1 minute .
3. Make the sauce: Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk. Simmer for 3- 5 minutes , stirring all the time.
4. Cheese time!: Remove from heat and stir in the cheese 4 cups of cheddar and 1 cup of Monterey Jack until melted.
5. Combine: Mix the drained pasta and cheese sauce. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish.
6. Top it off: Mix breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter, then sprinkle on top (optional, but totally worth it!).
7. Bake: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden.
8. Cool : Leave to cool before serving.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Mac!

Want to go from good to insanely good? Here are my top tips.

• Freshly grated cheese is best. Avoid pre-shredded cheese. It doesn’t melt as well.
• If you are looking for a Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it some kick
• Watch out for the salt. Cheese is naturally salty so add gradually. This good macaroni and cheese recipe will be ready to rock your world.
• Looking for a creamy baked mac and cheese ? Use half and-half instead of milk.

Honestly, this family friendly mac and cheese bake is proper lush! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Mac and Cheese Baked Macaroni

Honestly, whipping up this easy baked mac and cheese recipe is simpler than queuing for the post office. But here are a few extra pointers to make sure it's chef's kiss perfect, alright?

Serving Like a Pro: Plating and Pairings

Right, so you've got this glorious, bubbly bake. How do you make it look fancy? A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a good start.

If you’re feeling posh, a dollop of crème fraîche works wonders. For sides, think fresh and zingy. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.

Some roasted asparagus? Perfect! And drinks? Iced tea or a crisp, dry white wine are both great choices.

Storing the Good Macaroni And Cheese Recipe : Saving the Goodness

So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll keep for 3-4 days.

To reheat, microwave it until piping hot. Or, for a crispier top, stick it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

Freezing? It works, but the texture might change slightly. Thaw completely before reheating. I prefer the fridge method.

Variations on this Classic Southern Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Want to mix it up? Go wild! For a veggie boost, stir in some cooked broccoli or peas before baking.

Fancy some heat? A pinch of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce will do the trick. Got someone who's gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and flour!

Nutrition Basics: Macaroni And Cheese Homemade

Alright, let's be real: this isn't exactly a salad. But it is comforting and delicious! Each serving is roughly 450-550 calories.

It packs a decent protein punch (20-25g), but it's also got some fat (25-35g) and carbs (35-45g). It's all about balance, innit?

So there you have it! My tips and tricks for the creamy baked mac and cheese . Go on, give it a go! You'll be chuffed with the results, guaranteed.

This Family friendly mac and cheese bake is the Classic baked mac and cheese recipe and will soon be your best and Mac and Cheese Recipe Soul Food recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my baked mac and cheese recipe turn out dry? It was like the Sahara Desert in my baking dish!

A dry baked mac and cheese is usually due to overbaking or not having enough sauce to begin with. Make sure you don't overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Also, ensure your cheese sauce is generously coating the pasta before baking; it should look almost a little too wet.

You can also cover the dish with foil for the first half of the baking time to retain moisture, like a little culinary secret weapon!

Can I make baked mac and cheese recipe ahead of time? I'm trying to get ahead like a contestant on Bake Off!

Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly with cling film (press it right onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it's starting from cold.

What kind of cheese works best in a baked mac and cheese recipe? I want that proper cheesy pull!

A combination of cheeses gives the best flavor and texture. Cheddar is a classic, and a good sharp cheddar provides that signature mac and cheese taste. Monterey Jack adds creaminess and meltability. Avoid pre-shredded cheese when possible, as it often contains cellulose that prevents it from melting smoothly.

Gruyere, gouda, or even a bit of parmesan are other fantastic options for a flavour boost.

My cheese sauce turned out grainy. What went wrong? It was like a cheese grater exploded in my pot!

Grainy cheese sauce is usually caused by overheating or not enough liquid. Make sure you're simmering the sauce gently over medium low heat, not boiling it aggressively. Adding the cheese gradually and stirring until fully melted before adding more will also help.

If the sauce starts to look grainy, try whisking in a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to smooth it out.

Can I freeze this baked mac and cheese? I'm all about meal prepping these days!

Yes, you can freeze baked mac and cheese, but the texture might change slightly. Assemble and bake the mac and cheese as directed. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer to a freezer safe container. For best results, consume within 2-3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help restore some of the creaminess.

Is there anything I can add to my baked mac and cheese recipe to make it a bit more fancy? Think posh nosh!

Absolutely! Get your "Great British Menu" on and try adding some gourmet touches. A sprinkle of truffle oil after baking elevates the flavour instantly. Stirring in some cooked bacon or pancetta adds a smoky, savory note.

You could also incorporate roasted vegetables like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts for a seasonal twist. Finally, a topping of herbed breadcrumbs (mix panko with herbs like thyme and rosemary) adds a sophisticated crunch.