Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Pregătirea ingredientelor

Ingrediente

Mod de preparare

Pas cu pas

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

2. 2

   Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.

   Aproximativ 10 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Slightly undercooking the pasta will prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.

3. 3

   Drain the cooked macaroni well using a colander and set it aside.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

4. 4

   While the pasta cooks, melt the sauce butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

5. 5

   Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

   Aproximativ 4 min.

6. 6

   Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Cooking the flour for a minute removes its raw taste.

7. 7

   Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Using warm milk can help the sauce come together more smoothly.

8. 8

   Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

   Aproximativ 7 min.

9. 9

   Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, ground black pepper, and Dijon mustard.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Removing the sauce from the heat prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or separating when you add it.

10. 10

    Add the grated cheddar cheese in batches, stirring after each addition until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

    Aproximativ 2 min.

11. 11

    Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

12. 12

    Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

13. 13

    In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted topping butter and mix until the crumbs are well-coated.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

14. 14

    Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

15. 15

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

    Aproximativ 25 min.

16. 16

    Let the baked macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

    Aproximativ 5 min.