Baked Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Food!
Nothing says comfort food quite like a piping hot dish of baked mac and cheese. This isn’t just any mac and cheese recipe; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent experience that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even as one of your favorite thanksgiving sides, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Forget the boxed stuff – once you try this, you’ll never go back!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese
- Effortless Elegance: It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for thanksgiving entertaining ideas.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
- Kid-Friendly (and Adult-Approved!): Even the pickiest eaters will devour this.
- Freezable: Make ahead and freeze for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite cheeses and toppings.
- Perfect for Casseroles Thanksgiving Recipes: this will become family favorite!
Ingredients for Baked Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp or mild, your choice!)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or other melty cheese like Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option. For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. Vegan cheese shreds can be used for a vegan Thanksgiving meal.
How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Melt the Cheese: Add 3 cups of cheddar cheese and the Gruyere cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the baked dish.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a kick.
- Add veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or peas for a more nutritious meal, perfect for a healthy thanksgiving recipe option.
Variations: For a vegan thanksgiving, you can use plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives. Looking for a tasty thanksgiving casserole? Add a layer of cooked sausage or bacon before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This baked mac and cheese is a fantastic side dish or even a comforting main course! Here are a few ideas of other thanksgiving food items that go beautifully with it:
- Roasted Turkey: The classic thanksgiving turkey pairing!
- Green Bean Casserole: A great addition to your thanksgiving dinner.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness complements the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: a delicious and healthy vegetable side.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover baked mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. I would advise storing as a leftover to ensure a good quality texture.
Reheating: To reheat from the refrigerator, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen mac and cheese, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also microwave individual portions.
FAQ about Baked Mac and Cheese
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the baked mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan. Consider a thanksgiving charcuterie board with all of these for people to try!
Q: How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out?
A: Make sure the cheese sauce is thick enough before adding the pasta. Also, don’t overbake it! These problems can be solved by following the directions properly!
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free Thanksgiving menu?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta along with the other ingredients. With that being said, please remember to check all of the other items going into this dish, to ensure that they are gluten-free beforehand!
Q: Can I add a topping other than breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, you can use crushed crackers, fried onions, or even crumbled bacon for a savory twist. Remember to consider these options on your list for a thanksgiving food table.
Final Thoughts on Baked Mac and Cheese
Ready to elevate your mac and cheese game? This baked mac and cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from a simple weeknight dinner to a festive thanksgiving feast. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later! We’d love to hear how it turned out – leave a comment below and let us know. And be sure to subscribe for more delicious recipes that will impress your friends and family! This classic comfort food will surely be a hit addition to your thanksgiving menu.
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