Proper Cheesy Baked Mac the Ultimate Comfort Food
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some proper comfort food? Honestly, is there anything better than a baked macaroni recipe ? This one's a hug in a bowl, with that cheesy, decadent flavour you've been craving.
Brief Overview
This recipe isn't just any mac and cheese recipe soul food . It’s a Southern baked macaroni and cheese soul food masterpiece.
It takes about 55 minutes to make, and it's totally worth every second. This will serve 6-8 people.
Main Benefits
This creamy baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It's perfect for a Sunday roast or a cosy night in.
It is also packed with protein and calcium. This soulfood mac and cheese baked macaroni is special because of the blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese, and with that crispy topping , oh my gosh, it's incredible.
Let's Talk Ingredients
Now, let's talk ingredients. You know that moment when you're staring into the fridge, wondering what to cook? Well, the ingredients for this homemade baked mac and cheese recipe are likely already in your pantry.
We are going to cover all the ingredients and some of the swaps you can make. Let's dive in!
Right then, let's talk ingredients for this proper cheesy baked mac recipe . None of that wishy washy stuff! We are making southern baked macaroni and cheese soul food .
Gear Up: Ingredients & Tools for The Best Mac N Cheese Recipe
Listen up, this homemade baked mac and cheese recipe is all about the goods you put in! Good ingredients equals good eats. End of.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Soulfood Mac And Cheese Baked Macaroni
We're talking real ingredients here, not that stuff your nan used.
Elbow macaroni: 1 pound (450g) . Get the good stuff, not the cheapo brand.
Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) . Quality butter makes a difference, trust me.
All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (60g) . It will help to thickening the sauce.
Whole milk: 4 cups (950ml) . Full fat is the way to go for that creamy texture.
Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon . Don't skip this! It adds a warmth that's just chef's kiss .
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, but I like a little kick).
Sharp cheddar cheese: 4 cups (450g) , shredded. Needs to be SHARP.
Gruyère cheese: 1 cup (115g) , shredded. Adds a nutty, fancy touch to the creamy baked macaroni and cheese.
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (60g) , grated, plus extra for topping.
Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (60g) . These get lovely and crispy, for that extra special crispy topping mac and cheese .
Melted unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) . To toss with the breadcrumbs.
See, not too scary, eh? You can totally nail this southern mac and cheese .
Spice It Up: Seasoning Like a Pro
Don't be shy with the spices! Nutmeg is key, honestly. It just elevates the cheese to another level. A little cayenne adds a bit of warmth, and you have a very easy baked mac recipe .
You can always add a dash of hot sauce if you are feeling extra. If you don't have nutmeg, mace is a decent sub.
Oh my gosh, honestly? Freshly cracked black pepper. Is a must.
Essential Gear: What You Really Need
Right, so you don't need a load of fancy gadgets for this. We making three cheese macaroni bake , not launching a rocket.
A large pot is a must. You need a large pot to cook the macaroni in. And a colander to drain it.
A large saucepan is also needed, for the cheese sauce. Then, you need a whisk and a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish .
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. No baking dish? Anything oven safe will work. Just keep it simple, you know? This mac and cheese recipe soul food is about making something amazing with what you've got.
Proper Cheesy Baked Mac: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Alright, love! Fancy whipping up some proper Southern Baked Macaroni And Cheese Soul Food ? Forget that bland stuff. This is the best mac n cheese recipe you'll ever try.
Think creamy baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy topping mac and cheese . It's soulfood mac and cheese baked macaroni , innit?
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Honestly, a bit of prep is key. It stops you flapping later. First, measure out everything . Butter, flour, cheese the whole shebang.
Chop your cheese, grate your cheese... you get the gist. Get that oven preheating to 375° F ( 190° C) .
It will save you time. Trust me. Oh, and grease that 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish. Don't want a cheesy disaster stuck to the bottom, do we?
step-by-step: From Soggy Bottom to Cheesy Heaven
- Cook your macaroni. Al dente is the word. Nobody likes mushy mac.
- Melt 6 tablespoons (85g) of butter in a pan. Whisk in 1/2 cup (60g) of flour to make a roux. Cook for a minute or two .
- Slowly pour in 4 cups (950ml) of milk, whisking like mad to avoid lumps. Simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Take it off the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, adding 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you are feeling spicy.
- Now for the good stuff. Mix in 4 cups (450g) of cheddar, 1 cup (115g) of Gruyère, and 1/2 cup (60g) of Parmesan. Stir until it's all gloriously melted.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni. Pour it all into that greased dish.
- Mix 1/2 cup (60g) of Panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons (28g) of melted butter. Sprinkle it on top. More Parmesan? Go on, treat yourself.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Mac & Cheese Mastery
Don't overcook the pasta, or it'll be like baby food. Freshly grated cheese melts better than the pre-shredded stuff. Want three cheese macaroni bake ? Go wild with the cheese combo! Fancy making it ahead? Assemble it, cover it, and pop it in the fridge.
Add a few extra minutes to the baking time. The homemade baked mac and cheese recipe is a winner.
Honestly, this easy baked mac recipe is a proper crowd pleaser. You'll be the star baker. Enjoy every cheesy mouthful!
Recipe Notes for Proper Cheesy Baked Mac
Right, so you're about to tackle my Proper Cheesy Baked Macaroni Recipe . Here are some extra bits to make sure yours turns out as amazing as mine does.
Seriously, this recipe is epic and it's the best mac n cheese recipe I've ever made, and I think you'll agree.
I will be sharing all my soulfood mac and cheese baked macaroni secrets with you!.
Serving Suggestions: Time to Plate Up!
First impressions matter, right? For plating, think rustic charm. A big spoonful of this creamy baked macaroni and cheese in a bowl. Maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Boom!
As for sides, something green cuts through the richness. How about steamed green beans? Or, a nice crisp green salad.
Drinks wise, a dry white wine. Maybe a Sauvignon Blanc. It's the perfect partner for this southern baked macaroni and cheese soul food .
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
So, you've made a huge batch of three cheese macaroni bake ? Here's how to keep it good.
Pop it in the fridge within 2 hours , okay? Cover it well! It'll be good for about 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze it, do it before baking. Wrap it tight in cling film and then foil. Should last for up to 2 months.
Reheating? Oven is best. 350° F ( 175° C) until bubbly. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry. You can also microwave it but the texture might change a bit.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Fancy a twist? Add diced jalapeños for a spicy mac . Or, chuck in some roasted veg like broccoli. Loads of options here!
Got someone who is gluten-free? Easy peasy. Use gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free flour. It is an easy baked mac recipe to adapt to these preferences.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, so it's comfort food. Still, gotta know the basics! Each serving is about 550 calories. It's packed with protein at around 25g.
There are approximately 40g of carbs and 35g of fat. Sodium is about 700mg. It will be the homemade baked mac and cheese recipe that you will be proud of!
Look, making a crispy topping mac and cheese like this might seem intimidating. But trust me, it's easier than you think! Don't worry about perfection, just have a go and enjoy the process.
You might just find your new favourite comfort food!. This southern mac and cheese is totally worth it, you know?.
Frequently Asked Questions
My baked macaroni recipe turned out dry! What did I do wrong?
Oh dear, a dry mac is a right letdown! More than likely, the sauce wasn't quite creamy enough to begin with, or it was baked for too long. Make sure your cheese sauce is nice and saucy before adding the macaroni, and keep an eye on it in the oven.
Covering it with foil halfway through baking can also help retain moisture. Think of it like a Sunday roast; you wouldn't want it to dry out!
Can I make this baked macaroni recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! That's the beauty of comfort food, innit? You can assemble the unbaked macaroni and cheese, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
It's like prepping your Full English the night before - just makes the morning a little easier!
What kind of cheese works best in a baked macaroni recipe?
A blend of cheeses really gives the best flavour. Sharp cheddar is a must for that classic mac and cheese tang. Adding Gruyère provides a lovely nutty flavour and wonderful melt, and Parmesan adds a salty, savoury note. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses, as they don't melt as smoothly.
Freshly grated is best, like using proper butter instead of margarine.
How can I make my baked macaroni and cheese extra creamy?
For a truly decadent baked macaroni recipe, consider adding a touch of cream cheese or mascarpone to the cheese sauce about 2-4 ounces will do the trick. You could also swap out half the milk for heavy cream. Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially, as this can lead to a mushy, less creamy result.
It's all about balance, a bit like a proper pint of Guinness!
Can I freeze baked macaroni and cheese?
Freezing cooked baked macaroni and cheese isn't ideal, as the texture can change and become a bit grainy when thawed. However, if you must, let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in freezer safe packaging, and freeze for up to 2 months.
When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake covered with foil until heated through. It might not be quite as good as fresh, but it'll do in a pinch like a ready meal from the supermarket on a night you don't fancy cooking!
Proper Cheesy Baked Mac The Ultimate Comfort Foo
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |