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Martha’s Classic Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.3 from 69 reviews

  • Author: Jane
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Inspired by Martha Stewart’s timeless Classic Mac and Cheese, this recipe features ultra-creamy and rich cheese sauce combined with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust baked to golden perfection for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Topping

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste while forming a roux.
  4. Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens into a creamy sauce that coats the spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Season: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese for a crunchy crust.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
  9. Optional Broiling: For extra crispiness, you can broil the mac and cheese for 2 minutes before serving, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for added depth of flavor.
  • Use broiling for 2 minutes at the end for an extra crispy breadcrumb topping, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor and meltability in the cheese sauce.
  • Gruyère adds a nutty richness, while Parmesan offers a sharper, salty kick—choose based on preference.
  • To save time, prepare the cheese sauce and pasta in advance; assemble and bake right before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://cookingmomy.com/marthas-classic-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/