Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Health score
9%
Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese
45 min.
12
579kcal
80.75%sweetness
98.48%saltiness
48.55%sourness
35.94%bitterness
75.39%savoriness
100%fattiness
100%spiciness

Suggestions

This is the best baked macaroni and cheese recipe ever. It's super creamy, super cheesy, and has just the right amount of spice. The key to this recipe is the combination of cheeses. Cheddar and Gruyere are a match made in heaven, and when combined with a simple roux, they create a rich and creamy sauce that is absolutely irresistible. The breadcrumbs on top add a nice crunch, and the hint of nutmeg gives it a little something extra. It's the perfect side dish for any occasion, and it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. This recipe is also really easy to make. Simply cook the macaroni, make the cheese sauce, and bake it all in the oven. It's that simple! So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you. This recipe is also great because it's versatile. You can add in some extra spices or herbs if you like, or even throw in some vegetables. It's a great base to start with, and you can make it your own. So go ahead and get creative! This baked macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food. It's warm, hearty, and satisfying. It's like a big hug in a dish. So why not treat yourself and make this delicious recipe today? Your family and friends will surely love it.

Ingredients

  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • 0.3 teaspoon ground pepper 
  • pound elbow macaroni 
  • 0.5 cup flour all-purpose
  • ounces gruyere cheese grated
  • teaspoons kosher salt 
  • 0.3 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
  • tablespoons butter unsalted plus more for dish (1 stick)
  • slices sandwich bread white
  • 18 ounces cheddar cheese white grated
  • 5.5 cups milk whole

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • sauce pan
  • oven
  • whisk
  • wire rack
  • casserole dish
  • colander

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside.
  2. Place bread pieces in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
  3. Pour butter into the bowl with bread, and toss. Set the breadcrumbs aside. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat milk. Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, stirring, 1 minute.Slowly pour hot milk into flour-butter mixture while whisking. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 3 cups cheddar, and 1 1/2 cups Gruyere. Set cheese sauce aside.Fill a large saucepan with water. Bring to a boil.
  5. Add macaroni; cook 2 to 3 fewer minutes than manufacturers directions, until outside of pasta is cooked and inside is underdone. (Different brands of macaroni cook at different rates; be sure to read the instructions.)
  6. Transfer the macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
  8. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar and 1/2 cup Gruyere; scatter breadcrumbs over the top.
  9. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes.
  10. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes; serve.

Nutrition Facts

Calories579kcal
Protein17.95%
Fat51.08%
Carbs30.97%

Properties

Glycemic Index
29.06
Glycemic Load
9.54
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
18.196956521739%

Taste

Sweetness:
80.75%
Saltiness:
98.48%
Sourness:
48.55%
Bitterness:
35.94%
Savoriness:
75.39%
Fattiness:
100%
Spiciness:
100%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:578.97kcal
28.95%
Fat:32.81g
50.47%
Saturated Fat:18.84g
117.75%
Carbohydrates:44.75g
14.92%
Net Carbohydrates:43.09g
15.67%
Sugar:7.3g
8.11%
Cholesterol:96.8mg
32.27%
Sodium:906.18mg
39.4%
Protein:25.95g
51.89%
Calcium:666.99mg
66.7%
Selenium:45.56µg
65.08%
Phosphorus:515.76mg
51.58%
Vitamin B2:0.48mg
28.04%
Manganese:0.48mg
23.84%
Zinc:3.45mg
22.98%
Vitamin B12:1.37µg
22.88%
Vitamin A:1037.41IU
20.75%
Vitamin B1:0.23mg
15.02%
Magnesium:56.67mg
14.17%
Vitamin D:1.74µg
11.59%
Folate:41.39µg
10.35%
Vitamin B5:0.96mg
9.63%
Potassium:324.15mg
9.26%
Vitamin B6:0.18mg
9.09%
Vitamin B3:1.71mg
8.57%
Copper:0.16mg
7.82%
Iron:1.27mg
7.04%
Fiber:1.67g
6.67%
Vitamin E:0.73mg
4.86%
Vitamin K:2.7µg
2.57%
45 min.
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10 min.
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