RECIPE: Baked Mac & Cheese
There is nothing like baked macaroni and cheese to warm you from the inside. One of our daughters was particularly fond of her grandmother's baked mac & cheese. Like many family recipes, it was never written to share. It remains a mystery, so I tried to recreate something similar here.
Please share your comments if you make it!
This is the base recipe that can be jazzed up, as desired. At times, I have added herbs. Easy, right? For the cheese lovers though, try blending other cheeses with the cheddar. A blend with gouda is exceptional!
BAKED MAC & CHEESE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
16 oz. Macaroni, uncooked (we like Cavatappi-- bolder presence)
5 Tbs. Butter, salted (one for greasing the pan)
0.25 C. All-purpose Flour
1.25 C. Milk
1 C. Half and half or Heavy Cream split with water
1 tsp. Onion Powder
0.5 (1/2) tsp. Dried or Prepared Mustard
0.25 (1/4) tsp. Salt
0.25 (1/4) tsp. freshly ground Black Pepper
5 C. Cheddar Cheese, grated and divided 3 C./1 C./1 C.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425°F. Grease 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish.
2. In a large stock pot, bring water with a bit of salt (no oil) to a rolling boil. Cook pasta as directed using minimum cook time; drain. Rinse with cold water unless using immediately. Leave in stock pot to blend with cheese sauce.
3. Cheese Sauce: In 2-qt (7-inches across) saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add Flour, Mustard, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper. Whisk/stir this sauce until well blended.
4. Continue to cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Add 3 C. Cheddar Cheese. Stir until melted and well-blended. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. When pasta and cheese sauce are both ready, using the stock pot, pour cheese sauce over pasta. Stir until pasta is throughly coated.
6. In a greased baking pan, create a layer with half of the pasta mixture, then cover with 1 C. Cheddar Cheese. Layer the remaining pasta, then top with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake 15-20 minutes at 425°F or until bubbling on edges and completely heated through. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley (oregano or basil works well, too).
Alice