Nothing beats the warm, nostalgic comfort of a baked pasta dish. This Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe combines creamy, gooey cheese with a golden, crispy topping for the perfect side or main dish. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals, this classic recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s explore how to make this irresistible Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Ingredients:
Ingredients for the Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Execution
Step-by-Step Method for the Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Cook the macaroni: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce.
- Add the seasonings: Stir in Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Melt the cheese: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or main course.
Tips:
For the Best Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Shred your own cheese: For the creamiest Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe, shred fresh cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often include anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting.
- Cook pasta to perfection: Ensure the macaroni is cooked just to al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Experiment with cheese blends: Enhance the Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe by adding cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby to create a unique and flavorful twist.
- Prepare in advance: Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If baking straight from the fridge, add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time for the perfect Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe.
FAQs:
- What are the three best cheeses for mac and cheese baked?
- The three best cheeses for baked mac and cheese combine flavor, creaminess, and meltability:
- Sharp Cheddar: Provides a rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
- Gruyère: Adds a nutty, buttery taste and melts beautifully.
- Parmesan: Enhances flavor with its salty, umami kick and creates a crisp topping.
Optional: You can also include mozzarella for extra gooeyness or Colby Jack for a milder flavor.
- Why use evaporated milk in mac and cheese?
- Evaporated milk is used in mac and cheese because:
- Creaminess: Its thicker consistency creates a velvety sauce.
- Stability: Evaporated milk prevents the cheese from curdling during baking.
- Flavor: It enhances the richness of the dish without adding too much liquid.
It’s an excellent alternative to heavy cream for achieving a smooth, rich texture.
- Why is Cracker Barrel mac and cheese so good?
- Cracker Barrel mac and cheese is praised for its:
- Bold flavor: Uses sharp cheddar cheese for a robust taste.
- Rich, creamy texture: Perfectly balanced cheese sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Homemade quality: The baked, golden crust adds a comforting, rustic touch.
Its simplicity and quality ingredients make it a standout dish.
- What not to do when making mac and cheese?
- Avoid these common mistakes when making mac and cheese:
- Overcooking the pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta to keep it al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Skipping a roux: Not making a roux (butter and flour base) can result in a thin or lumpy sauce.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent smooth melting. Always shred your cheese fresh.
- Not seasoning the sauce: Failing to add salt, pepper, mustard powder, or garlic can make the dish bland.
- Adding too much liquid: Overdoing the milk or cream can make the sauce runny instead of creamy.
