Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese can boast the first place in relation to the time-tested comfort food.
This is because of its warmly remembered family dinners or Sunday dinners with its smooth cheese sauce, soft pasta and crispy topping.Compared to boxed mac and cheese, it is heart warming because of the simple and natural ingredients that are used to make up this version.
It is one of the best recipes of baked macaroni and cheese that will feed your families, a Christmas dinner or even when you just happen to be hungry.
Ingredients of Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
It is a classic one, which follows the basics, i.e. real cheese, creamy sauce and baked pasta.
Main Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (whole milk is the most delicious)
1 cup heavy cream (or leave it out so it becomes smoother)
3/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (more stretch)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp mustard in powder form (bring out flavor)
1/4 tsp paprika
Topping Ingredients:
1 cup plain or panko breadcrumbs.
2 tbsp melted buttershredded cheese,
1/2 cup (that crust, of the cheese is so good)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the PastaCook the macaroni in salty water until it becomes only a little firm.
Drain and set aside. Do not over cook because it will be softened in the oven.
Make the Cheese Sauce (Roux)Melt butter in a saucepan under a medium heat.
Add flour and stir up approximately one minute to form a smooth paste.
Pour in milk and cream slowly during whisking. Cook the sauce until it has thickened.
Add Cheese and SeasoningsRemove from heat.
Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella and stir until they melt.
Add salt, pepper, mustard powder and paprika.
Your white cheese sauce is good!Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the prepared macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until all the macaroni is covered with the sauce and is creamy.
Prepare the ToppingCombine breadcrumbs with melted butter and cheddar cheese. This will provide your Mac and cheese with the golden crust.
Assemble and BakeAdd the mixture of the macaroni to a greased baking dish.
Evenly sprinkle breadcrumb topping.Cook at 350 deg F (175 deg C) until golden and bubbly on the top.
Serve and EnjoyAllow cooling to take place (approximately 5 minutes) then serve.
This assists the sauce in setting really pretty and leaves you with that ideal slice of cheesy goodness.
The Baked Macaroni and Cheese The Ultimate
Recipe Tips.Sharp cheddar: It offers a classic vintage tangy taste.
Do not omit the roux: That is what makes your sauce rich and creamy rather than watery.
Combine varieties of cheeses: Cheddar + Colby Jack, Gruyere will be even creamier.
Add flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg, garlic, or hot sauce to add a slight flavor.
Crispy topping: Broil 2-3 minutes at the end to get an additional-crispy golden top.
Why This Recipe Seems So Nostalgic
The baked old-fashioned Macaroni and cheese will take many back to their childhood days; the smell of the oven, the cheese bubbling, and that sticky bite. It is a more or less century-old family recipe that is enjoyed by its ease and its soothing flavor.
It is a dish which unites people, be it at Thanksgiving, a potlatch or a homey weekend supper. Not only food, it is a memory on a plate.
Serving Ideas
Accompanied with roasted chicken or barbecue ribs.
Common Southern-style meals are accompaniment to green beans or coleslaw, or buttered corn.
Make it your own, but still make sure you add some extras e.g. crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or broccoli.
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is not like any other normal dish, it is thick and creamy and rich in homemade love. It is a time-tested dish, something which will perform a miracle in your kitchen as well as in your dining table.Make it once and you will understand why it was a real classic just cannot be out of fashion altogether.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is not like any other normal dish, it is thick and creamy and rich in homemade love. It is a time-tested dish, something which will perform a miracle in your kitchen as well as in your dining table.Make it once and you will understand why it was a real classic just cannot be out of fashion altogether.
