What To Know
- And what better way to cap off a hearty meal than with a creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a touch of heat.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delectable feasts. And what better way to cap off a hearty meal than with a creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese? This classic dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to faces. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating the perfect baked mac and cheese for your Thanksgiving celebration.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you embark on your culinary adventure, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 box (16 ounces) of elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of milk
- 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon of melted butter
Prepare the Macaroni
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions.
3. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce.
2. Stir until well combined.
Transfer to a Baking Dish
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the macaroni mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Topping
1. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter.
2. Sprinkle the topping over the macaroni mixture.
Bake
1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the macaroni is bubbly.
2. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
A Culinary Symphony: Enhancing Your Baked Mac and Cheese
- Add some spice: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or steamed broccoli add color and nutrition.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheeses, such as Gruyère, Swiss, or Fontina, to create unique flavor combinations.
- Top with bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory touch.
- Garnish with herbs: Fresh parsley, chives, or thyme add a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
The Grand Finale: Serving Your Baked Mac and Cheese
Serve your baked mac and cheese hot, alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. It’s the perfect comfort food that will warm hearts and delight taste buds.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the macaroni mixture and cheese sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake before serving.
Q: How do I make a gluten-free version?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free bread crumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked mac and cheese for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
