Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese. This recipe yields a luscious, gooey dish that combines three types of cheese for an irresistible flavor and texture. The crunchy breadcrumb topping provides a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta beneath it, making every bite a perfect balance. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home, this mac and cheese will quickly become a favorite on your dinner table. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by omitting the red pepper flakes if desired!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
White bread
4 slices (torn into pieces)
Unsalted butter
8 tablespoons (divided (4 tablespoons melted for topping, 4 tablespoons for sauce))
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
Salt
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons (divided)
Elbow macaroni
1 lb (uncooked)
All-purpose flour
5 tablespoons (for the cheese sauce)
Evaporated milk
3 (12 ounce) cans (for the cheese sauce)
Hot sauce
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
Red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (for the cheese sauce)
Shredded American cheese
1 1/4 cups (for the cheese sauce)
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup (for the cheese sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
2
In a food processor, combine the torn bread, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then set aside.
3
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni for 6 minutes, ensuring it remains al dente. Do not overcook.
4
Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the macaroni cooking water. Then, drain the macaroni and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Set aside and let it drain well.
5
In the same pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until it begins to foam but does not brown. Stir in the flour and cook while stirring continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture turns light brown.
6
Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, hot sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), nutmeg, dry mustard, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook until the mixture starts to simmer and thickens slightly, about 4 minutes.
7
Remove the pot from heat and add the cheddar, American, and Monterey Jack cheeses, along with the reserved pasta water. Stir until the cheeses melt and the mixture is smooth.
8
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to ensure all pasta is coated.
9
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Top evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly around the edges and the top is a golden brown.
11
Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let it set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Creamy Mac and Cheese Bake?
It is a luscious, gooey baked macaroni and cheese dish that combines three types of cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for the ultimate comfort food experience.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the three main cheeses used in the sauce?
The sauce uses shredded extra-sharp cheddar, shredded American cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the elbow macaroni be boiled?
The macaroni should be cooked for exactly 6 minutes to ensure it remains al dente.
Should I save any of the pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1/2 cup of the macaroni cooking water before draining the pasta.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
In a food processor, pulse 4 slices of torn white bread with 4 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until coarse crumbs form.
What is the secret to the creamy cheese sauce base?
The base is a roux made from butter and flour, combined with evaporated milk and a specific blend of spices.
Why do I need to rinse the macaroni under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process, preventing the pasta from becoming overcooked and mushy.
What spices are included in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with nutmeg, dry mustard, salt, hot sauce, and optional red pepper flakes.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
What kind of milk is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three 12-ounce cans of evaporated milk.
What size baking dish is needed?
You will need a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
How long does the mac and cheese bake in the oven?
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
It is done when the cheese is bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
Why should I let the dish rest after baking?
Allowing it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes helps the sauce set so it is not too runny when served.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Position the oven rack in the middle of the oven.
What type of bread is used for the topping?
The recipe suggests using 4 slices of white bread.
How much butter is used in total?
A total of 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter is used, divided between the topping and the sauce.
Can I use freshly grated Parmesan cheese?
Yes, 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the topping.
Is the American cheese shredded or sliced?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of shredded American cheese.
What role does the reserved pasta water play?
It is stirred into the cheese sauce to help achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
How much salt is required for the pasta water?
Use 1 tablespoon of salt in the 4 quarts of boiling water.
What is the texture of the breadcrumb mixture?
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
Should the butter for the sauce be browned?
No, melt the butter until it foams but do not let it turn brown before adding the flour.
Is the elbow macaroni cooked fully before baking?
No, it is cooked until al dente; it will finish softening during the baking process.
What does the dry mustard add to the dish?
Dry mustard provides a subtle depth of flavor that complements the richness of the cheeses.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but you may want to reduce the additional salt in the sauce to prevent it from being too salty.
What is the primary category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under 'Cheese' and is a classic comfort food casserole.
How much extra-sharp cheddar is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese.