The Supreme Baked Mac and Cheese recipe

Indulge in the sublime delight of our revamped baked mac and cheese, a culinary masterpiece that elevates the classic comfort food to unparalleled heights. This delectable recipe showcases the harmonious blend of velvety gouda and Havarti cheeses, crafting a luscious homemade mac and cheese sauce that far surpasses the ordinary boxed variety.

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In the realm of beloved recipes, such as the perfect steak, succulent roasted chicken, and Mom’s cherished potato salad, my quest for mastery led me to rediscover the essence of a timeless favorite—baked mac and cheese. Amidst the myriad recipes on the vast expanse of the Internet, this one, borrowed from a friend at Arla Dofino, the esteemed Wisconsin cheese company, stands out. Their exceptional gouda and Havarti cheeses, both luxuriously creamy, create the foundation for an irresistibly silky sauce that has earned unanimous praise.

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Crafted with care, this baked mac and cheese recipe embodies the epitome of comfort food classics. Enriched with a dreamy, cheesy sauce, it has become my go-to solution for satisfying those irresistible cravings for all things cheesy and carby.

What’s Inside This Culinary Masterpiece:

The carefully curated ingredients include the usual suspects, with a twist—dry mustard and dried breadcrumbs, adding a unique depth of flavor and texture. The ensemble comprises butter, flour, whole milk (preferably 2% or higher for enhanced flavor), Havarti cheese, gouda cheese, elbow macaroni, kosher salt, white pepper, breadcrumbs, and optional parsley. Feel free to customize your mac and cheese with additions like diced ham, peas, or carrots, but exercise caution to maintain the dish’s balance.

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Two Crucial Tips for Mac and Cheese Excellence:

1. Opt for the right cheese to achieve a creamy, velvety sauce. Gouda and Havarti, with their soft and flavorful profiles, impart the perfect mild cheese flavor and contribute to an ultra-creamy sauce.

2. Choose high-quality pasta for a toothsome bite. DeLallo Foods’ premium elbow noodles, made with semolina flour in Italy, provide the ideal canvas for the cheese sauce to envelop each pasta crevice.

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This is my favorite whisk for making anything with a roux because it really gets into the edges of the pan and doesn’t scratch it while whisking.

The Art of Crafting Baked Mac and Cheese:

For a party-sized delight, I doubled this recipe with no adverse effects. Begin by creating a roux, the foundation of the cheesy sauce. Once the sauce thickens to coat the back of a wooden spoon, combine it with al dente pasta in a large pot. Transfer the ensemble to a baking dish, generously topped with breadcrumbs. Bake in a 350°F oven, initially covered with foil for 15 minutes, followed by an uncovered bake until the top achieves a toasty golden brown perfection.

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Advance Preparation and Storage:

While baked mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh, you can assemble it in advance, refraining from baking until the day of indulgence. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month, adjusting baking times accordingly.

Reheating and Freezing Guidance:

For reheating, cover and warm in the oven or on the stove with a splash of milk to preserve its creamy texture. To freeze, either bake before freezing or freeze before baking for a creamier outcome. Bake frozen mac and cheese directly from the freezer for a delightful, bubbly result.

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Elevate Your Gathering with a Mac and Cheese Bar:

Transform your gathering into a culinary sensation with a mac and cheese bar. Customize your creation with an array of toppings, from chopped ham and garlic-buttered shrimp to sautéed mushrooms and braised onions. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

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Pro Tips for Culinary Mastery:

– Cook pasta until just al dente to prevent mushiness during baking.

– Generously season pasta water with salt for flavorful results.

– Add a dash of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a subtle, enhancing touch.

– Shred your cheese from a block for superior flavor, avoiding the potential graininess of pre-shredded alternatives.

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Embark on a culinary journey with our revamped baked mac and cheese, where every bite is an exquisite blend of creamy indulgence and timeless comfort.