What To Know
- Broiling gives the top of the mac and cheese a crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the interior creamy and gooey.
- The cheese is the star of the show, so use a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a kick.
Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be made even more delicious with a quick broil. Broiling gives the top of the mac and cheese a crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the interior creamy and gooey. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to broil baked mac and cheese:
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
5. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Broil Mac and Cheese: Place the baking dish in the oven and broil for 5-7 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Serve: Serve hot with additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Broil
- Use a broiler pan: This will help prevent the mac and cheese from sticking to the oven rack.
- Watch closely: Broiling can happen quickly, so keep an eye on the mac and cheese to avoid burning.
- Don’t overbroil: Broil until the top is just golden brown. Overbroiling can make the mac and cheese dry.
- Use a high-quality cheese: The cheese is the star of the show, so use a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for the best flavor.
Variations
- Add bacon: Cook some bacon and crumble it over the mac and cheese before broiling.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Gruyere, or Gouda.
- Add breadcrumbs: Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese before broiling for a crunchy topping.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a kick.
The Finishing Touch
Once your mac and cheese is broiled to perfection, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set and prevent it from running off the plate. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, shells, or rigatoni.
2. What if I don’t have a broiler pan?
You can use a regular baking sheet, but line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. How do I make sure the mac and cheese is cooked through?
Make sure to cook the macaroni according to package directions before adding it to the cheese sauce.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mac and cheese ahead of time and broil it just before serving.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
