What type of Cheddar cheese should I use?

I always like to use a sharp Cheddar or even an extra sharp Cheddar . In my opinion, anything less just doesn't have that strong cheese flavor I want in a macaroni and cheese.

Can I use packaged shredded cheese?

I really recommend buying the blocks of Cheddar cheese and doing the grating yourself. First, the packaged cheese will have an anti-caking agent which means it might not melt as smoothly into the cream sauce as you'd like. Second, block cheeses have way more varieties so you can really have fun with this and find the Cheddar cheese you like the most! I use a box grater like this one for my grating!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Here's the thing, mac and cheese is amazing if it's eaten soon after you make it. Once you've chilled it in the fridge and reheated it, it's just not going to be the same and going to lose a lot of that creaminess to the sauce. So this dish best made right before you want to serve it.

What can I eat with the macaroni and cheese?

You can serve this with green veggie sides like green beans, zucchini, or a Caesar or garden salad. Or of course, this is the perfect side dish at any cook out!

Can I add anything to the macaroni and cheese?

You can have fun with this recipe and make it your own! Add cooked bacon, peppers, other cheese, peas, or other veggies! There's no rules here.

Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Name: Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups uncooked elbow noodle pasta2 8oz blocks sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (you’ll use 5 cups in the sauce, and the rest for the topping)2 and 1/2 cups light cream6 tablespoons butter (3 tablespoons will go in the Panko, and 3 tablespoons will be for the sauce)3/4 cup Panko crumbs3 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon garlic powder1/4 teaspoon dry mustardSmoked paprika for topping

Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

a spoon scooping the mac and cheese from the casserole dish

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★★★★★

5 from 1 review

Easy baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food perfect for adults and kids! Super cheesy with a crispy baked Panko crumbs on top. Make this a new family favorite!

Author: aseasonedgreeting
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9x13 casserole
Category: Main Dish
Method: Saute
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

2 and 1/2 cups uncooked elbow noodle pasta
2 8oz blocks sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (you’ll use 5 cups in the sauce, and the rest for the topping)
2 and 1/2 cups light cream
6 tablespoons butter (3 tablespoons will go in the Panko, and 3 tablespoons will be for the sauce)
3/4 cup Panko crumbs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Smoked paprika for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cook the elbow noodles according to package, and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Season the Panko with the garlic powder. In a small pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then pour over the Panko crumbs and stir to coat.

3. In the same pot, over medium heat melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, then stir in the flour, salt, dry mustard, and pepper…stir until everything is blended. Slowly stir in the half & half, and cook thickened. You want it to coat the back of a spoon and be creamy. See above for a photo example, for me it took 6 and 1/2 minutes to get the right consistency. Lower the heat, then pour in 5 cups of the shredded cheese, pouring in one cup at a time and blending completely until adding each cup. Once the cheese sauce is made, remove from the heat.

4. Place the cooked and drained elbow noodles in your baking dish. Then, pour the cheese sauce over top and stir together to make sure all noodles are coated, even the noodles on the edges of the dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese, then the Panko, and finally sprinkle with smoked paprika. Bake for 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Keywords: easy baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://aseasonedgreeting.com/2021/02/25/baked-macaroni-and-cheese/