How to make oven baked macaroni and cheese?

How to Make Oven Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. While traditional stovetop macaroni and cheese is delicious, adding the dimension of an oven allows the dish to take on new textures and flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make oven baked macaroni and cheese.

What You’ll Need:

• 8 oz macaroni
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 cup breadcrumb topping (optional)

The Process:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Preheating your oven ahead of time ensures that the dish cooks evenly and gives the cheese a good brown crust.

Sauce Preparation

1. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, and a pinch of salt to prevent lumps from forming. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, and cook until the sauce thickens.

   **Struggling with lumps in your sauce? Try adding the milk slowly and whisking constantly.**

2. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and bold a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little extra spice.

Mixed Macaroni

1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch.

2. Combine the macaroni and cheese sauce: Transfer the cooked macaroni to a large bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, stirring to combine.

**Use this opportunity to add other flavorings or mix-ins!**
If you like, try adding cooked bacon, broccoli florets, or crumbled cooked chicken to create different variations.

Assembly and Baking

1. Prepare the baking dish: Choose a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembly. Grease it with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Assemble the casserole: Invert the macaroni and cheese mixture into the baking dish, spreading evenly.
3. Optional topping: If using a breadcrumb topping, sprinkle heavily with Panko breadcrumbs or homemade crushed crackers.
4. Bake the casserole: Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness halfway.
5. Return for a golden crust: Uncover the dish, if using breadcrumbs, return the baking sheet with melted bread crumbs on top and in the bottom if wanted. If not than place the sheet in broil for 2 minutes watching carefully.
6. Serve: Remove the oven-baked macaroni and cheese from the oven when the top is crispy and the middle is creamy.

Tips for Making the Perfect Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese:

• Choose your cheese wisely: Aim for a blend of strong-flavored cheddar for brightness, nutty brown color of Gruyére, and creamy White Swiss.
• Stagger your cheese: Top layer in separate spots instead of smearing for an unifrom melt.
• Recreate the cheesy goodness any leftover.

• Simply reassemble a portion in a individual container, reheat
  in the microwave for
  25-30 seconds if your oven or reassemble whole dish.
  & – Adjust the boking time accordingly.
  & Also, add some leftovers ideas below

  Sausages With Beans

  Leftover Suggestions:
  Jam-Filled Tangerines	Oven Baked Bacon Ribs	&#	Korean BBQ Beef Tenderlon	Chops

  This article will guide you how to make oven-baked macaroni and cheese to elevate its cheesy game
  and take it the classic comfort food to an enjoyable level

  Ready to Level Up Your Cooking? Watch This Now!

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