Introduction
This creamy herb baked mac and cheese is a delightful variation of the classic comfort dish that combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella with the aromatic touch of fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal on a winter’s day, this dish brings warmth and comfort to any table.
Ingredients
400 grams elbow macaroni
50 grams unsalted butter
50 grams all-purpose flour
500 ml whole milk
200 grams sharp cheddar cheese, grated
100 grams mozzarella cheese, grated
5 grams salt
3 grams black pepper
10 grams fresh parsley, chopped
10 grams fresh chives, chopped
50 grams breadcrumbs
20 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes until smooth and golden brown.
4. Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Incorporate the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing well. Then fold in the parsley and chives.
7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the macaroni.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
10. Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure it’s hot enough to give your mac and cheese a beautifully golden crust.
2. Cook the Macaroni
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour. Whisk the mixture continuously for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and turns a light golden brown—this is your roux.
4. Add Milk and Thicken
Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring constantly with your whisk. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. You want a creamy consistency.
5. Incorporate the Cheeses
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Allow them to melt completely into the sauce, creating a rich and gooey texture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Combine with Macaroni
Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly until every piece is coated. Next, gently fold in the freshly chopped parsley and chives, which will infuse the dish with a vibrant herbal aroma.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the creamy macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will give your baked mac and cheese a deliciously crunchy topping. Sprinkle it generously over the macaroni.
9. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen as it bakes.
10. Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes to set. Serve warm, and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors.
Notes
Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Freezing Instructions
This dish freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Variations
Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or add proteins such as cooked chicken or bacon for a heartier meal.
Cook Techniques
1. Cooking Pasta
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. This ensures the pasta retains some firmness since it will continue cooking in the oven.
2. Making a Roux
Melt the butter and add flour, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes. This forms a roux, which is the base for the cheese sauce, providing thickness and richness.
3. Preparing Cheese Sauce
Gradually add milk to the roux while stirring to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then mix in the cheeses until melted and smooth.
4. Combining Ingredients
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then add fresh herbs for aromatic flavor. This combination creates a creamy and flavorful dish.
5. Baking
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish and top with a breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Bake until golden brown and bubbly for a crispy texture.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, assemble it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the roux.
Can I add protein to the dish?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, bacon, or even sautéed vegetables can be added to enhance flavor and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Creamy Herb Baked Mac and Cheese is a heartwarming dish that elevates the classic comfort food to new heights. The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, along with fresh herbs, creates a luxurious and flavorful experience that is sure to please everyone at your table. Perfect for winter evenings or family gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful change to the typical mac and cheese.
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