Kitchen notes · a little help before you start

Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 lb uncooked macaroni ((about 4 cups) 454 grams) (Source: 1 lb uncooked macaroni ((about 4 cups) 454 grams)); ¼ cup salted butter (Source: ¼ cup salted butter); 1 teaspoon salt (Source: 1 teaspoon salt); 1 teaspoon low sodium liquid chicken bouillon ((optional -- adds great flavor!)) (Source: 1 teaspoon low sodium liquid chicken bouillon ((optional -- adds great flavor!))); ½ teaspoon hot sauce (Source: ½ teaspoon hot sauce); ½ teaspoon ground mustard (Source: ½ teaspoon ground mustard); ¼ teaspoon black pepper (Source: ¼ teaspoon black pepper); ¼ teaspoon onion powder (Source: ¼ teaspoon onion powder); ¼ cup all purpose flour (Source: ¼ cup all purpose flour); 4 cups whole milk (Source: 4 cups whole milk); ¼ cup reserved pasta water (Source: ¼ cup reserved pasta water); 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese ((divided)) (Source: 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese ((divided))); ⅔ cup Panko bread crumbs (Source: ⅔ cup Panko bread crumbs); 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter (Source: 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter)

Perfect Baked Mac and Cheese is made with cheddar cheese, uncooked macaroni 454 grams, and low sodium liquid chicken bouillon.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 45 min
Original yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 14 listed

Make it part of your week

Estimating…

Main courseSidesAmericanPrep: 15 minutes or lessTotal: 31–60 minutes

Recipe categories & planning details

Meal type: Main course · Sides
Cuisine: American
Preparation & total time: Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 31–60 minutes

A few quick notes

1. Save the cooking water

Reserve the cooking water at the step specified, before it is needed for the sauce.

2. Allow for chilling

Include the chilling step when deciding when to start.

3. Preheat as directed

Have the oven at the specified temperature for its cooking step.

Get to know the ingredients

uncooked macaroni (about 4 cups; 454 grams)

In the method: Add macaroni and cook just until al dente -- they will soften slightly in the oven so you don't want to overcook.

low sodium liquid chicken bouillon (optional -- adds great flavor!)

In the method: Add salt, chicken bouillon (if using), hot sauce, mustard, pepper, and onion powder.

hot sauce

In the method: Add salt, chicken bouillon (if using), hot sauce, mustard, pepper, and onion powder.

The last little job

Finish as directed

Serve.

A little more help as you go

Stir as directed

Stay with the pan for the frequent stirring called for in the method.

Prepare for the next step

Have the next addition ready when the mixture reaches the boil described.

Prepare the finishing addition

Have the final topping or garnish ready for its specified step.

A few questions you might have

What should I prepare first?

Set out the oven, baking dish, pot, and skillet. Start with this step: Preheat oven to 400 degrees if baking and serving right away (you can also refrigerate and bake another day).

Which preparation step should I plan for?

Reserve the cooking water at the step specified, before it is needed for the sauce.

What check should I look for as it cooks?

Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Is there another preparation step to plan for?

Stay with the pan for the frequent stirring called for in the method.

Additional recipe notes

Ingredients and Substitutions : Pasta : you can use whole grain, gluten-free, or any other shape of pasta here. Just boil to al dente, or a little less before draining. Chicken bouillon : this adds a ton of flavor but is optional. Be sure to choose a low sodium option, or reduce the added salt if using. Hot sauce : this does not make it spicy, but adds another layer of flavor. My kids don’t like spicy food and they all love this recipe! Milk : you can use low fat milk, but the flavor will not be as rich and you run the risk of it curdling. Evaporated milk is another option. Cheese : feel free to swap with Gruyere, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or another good melting cheese you enjoy. Panko topping : feel free to skip the Panko if you don’t enjoy a crispy top. Additions : There are so many ways you can jazz up this recipe! Add in cooked, crumbled bacon , shredded chicken or leftover homemade meatballs . Add in leftover cooked vegetables, frozen vegetables or finely chopped spinach or broccoli before baking.

Storage & reheating safety

For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.

These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures

Recipe source: thereciperebel.com. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.

Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.

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