Ah…Macaroni & Cheese…the ultimate comfort food that every family out there! Our boys pretty much grew up on it, as I’m sure it’s a favorite in your home too! The soft, tender macaroni mixed with the creamy cheese sauce, you just can’t go wrong!Oh, and of course, we just had to add some bacon too!So, if you want to find out my simple and quick baked macaroni and cheese recipe, stick around!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese: TIPS
Most macaroni is easy to make, and this is no different. However, the small difference is that, while other pasta dishes may lose their soul, this dish has heart. You can feel the love that’s baked into every noodle. So, even though it’s a small difference, it’s one you can definitely taste! Now, let’s point out some basic tips regarding this recipe:
First of all, the cooking process is pretty easy, although you do need some time to cook the cheese sauce and not be distracted. Starting with a simple rue of butter and flour, then adding the milk. Basically, it’s the same process as gravy, just a bit different.
Adding the beaten egg was a first for me, so I can totally feel the struggle. Just be sure to temper it by drizzling about 1/4 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg and whisking.
We used Sharp Cheddar Cheese and grated it with the box grater, but you can certainly buy shredded bagged cheese.
Also, the bacon was baked in the oven, we have found it cooks more evenly and you don’t have the mess in your kitchen. Just place an oven-safe cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet, and cook the bacon at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.
However, do not forget that the strips of bacon are totally optional. So, if you are not into meat in your baked macaroni and cheese, it’s ok. I prefer to add some pork flavor, as my family (especially kids) are inlove with its taste. Therefore, you do you and the results will be amazing!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese: RECIPE
Finally, it’s time to start rocking these baked macaroni and cheese! Keep in mind that you are the star in your kitchen, so try to have some fun during the process. I’ve always believed that if you love what you are doing, the results will be sprinkled with some excellence.
Last but not least, I strongly recommend you to gather and prepare all the essentials and ingredients before getting started. Also, if you read the recipe several times at first, it will surely be helpful throughout the cooking process.
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Homestyle Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
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Comfort food at it’s best. Recipe from PocketChangeGourmet.com
In a large pot, melt butter and sprinkle flour. Whisk together over medium low heat.
Cook mixture for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until smooth and bubbly
Gradually add milk and add mustard, whisk until smooth.
Cook for about 5 minutes until thick.
Reduce heat to low.
Take 1/4 cup milk mixture and drizzle into egg, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth.
Add egg mixture to milk mixture, whisk until smooth.
Add cheese and stir until melted
Add salt, seasoned salt and pepper to taste
Add bacon
Fold in cooked macaroni
Pour into buttered baking dish, add bacon if desired and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly
Author:Mark
Prep Time:20
Cook Time:20
Final Toughts
All in all, this is all there is! Wasn’t that easy and fun afterall? Now, it’s finally time for you to tell me all there is about your experience with the Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe in the comment section. Was it as hard as you might think in the beginning? Did you impress your loved ones with it? Were your kids satisfied with this mouth-watering dish? Also, did you improvise or improve the basic recipe? If so, how? Tell us everything!
Last but not least, do not forget that I’m always here for you! So, if you have any further questions or curiosities about the ingredients I used or my methods, ask them! I love knowing I could give a hand!
Take boxed mac and cheese to the next level by experimenting with different combination of add-ins. Adding cold butter to the sauce and baking the mac in the oven helps with both texture and flavor. Incorporating things like real cheese, bacon, or leftover veggies can turn boxed mac and cheese into a full meal.
Sour cream is the perfect ingredient to substitute for milk when making mac and cheese, giving it a rich and creamy flavor without sacrificing texture. It's easy to add in, and you can adjust it to your liking — add extra sour cream for more creaminess, and counter with extra cheese for more cheesiness.
Great mac n' cheese needs one or more cheeses that melt well, and one or more cheeses that bring the flavor. The best melters include monterey jack, fontina, baby swiss, asiago, provolone, mozzarella, and alpine-style. Cheeses for flavor: cheddar, havarti, smoked gouda, gorgonzola, feta and any other of your favorites.
You can add extra cheese and breadcrumbs and finish the thing in the oven for something you might actually bring to a potluck, but even a quick saute or spin in the toaster oven, of panko bread crumbs and olive oil tips boxed mac and cheese into a meal worth actually setting the table for.
If your mac and cheese tastes bland, it's either because it's under-seasoned, you didn't use flavorful cheese, or you didn't use enough cheese. Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it.
Warm milk is slowly incorporated into the roux, creating a smooth mixture. If you add the milk too quickly, use cold milk or simply don't whisk fast enough, you could get lumps in your sauce as bits of roux will cook and turn into small balls before they've had a chance to be smoothly blended into the milk.
Try pairing some of these cheeses with sweet and acidic notes; fresh figs or even honey add some sweetness to the naturally savory cheeses while balsamic vinegar or olives can help to break up the fattiness.
Melt Velveeta or your favorite processed cheese food and stir in some milk. While the cheese mix is hot, it should be slightly thicker than cream, go low, you can always add more milk later. Add pasta tomix and add black pepper. (Don't tell anyone but I add a little salt too, even though Velveeta is high sodium.)
If you want a little extra texture and flavor, try removing the frozen meal from your oven early and topping the partially cooked mac and cheese with a mix of breadcrumbs, butter, and parmesan. Then bake for a few extra minutes for that crispy layer of crunch.
Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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