Mac and Cheese Explosion

Directions to follow

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it’s al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
4. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a velvety sauce.
5. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheesy mixture and stir until the macaroni is well-coated.
7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the mac and cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy!

Best ways to enjoy it

When it comes to serving up your Mac and Cheese Explosion, you can really have some fun! Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness, or serve it alongside grilled chicken or veggies for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it as a unique side dish to your holiday feast or serve it as a main dish with a side of garlic bread for a comforting dinner.

How to store

To keep your Mac and Cheese Explosion fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you’re thinking of saving some for a later date, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it should last for about 2 months. Remember, always practice safe food handling when storing and reheating meals.

Helpful cooking tips

To make your mac and cheese even more flavorful, consider adding some sautéed onions or garlic to the roux for an extra layer of taste. If you find yourself short on one type of cheese, don’t hesitate to get creative with substitutions; just make sure to maintain a similar volume of cheese.

Creative twists

Looking for ways to mix it up? Try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist. For a spicy kick, throw in some jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. You can even turn this into a veggie-packed meal by adding steamed broccoli or spinach right into the mix!

Your questions answered

What is the prep time for this dish?

You can expect about 15 minutes of prep time before baking this Mac and Cheese Explosion, plus about 25-30 minutes of baking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture in advance, store it in the fridge, and then bake it right before serving.

Is it safe to freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; just properly cool and store them in airtight containers.

By following this recipe, you’ll enjoy a comforting and delicious Mac and Cheese Explosion that’s sure to wow any crowd! Happy cooking!

Mac and Cheese Explosion

Elevate the classic mac and cheese with this creamy and indulgent dish topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Cheese Sauce

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter for the roux
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for the roux
• 2 cups milk to create the cheese sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese for creaminess
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for stretch and flavor
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste

Breadcrumb Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs for crunch
• 1 tablespoon melted butter for mixing with breadcrumbs

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it’s al dente; drain and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a velvety sauce.
4. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining and Baking

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheesy mixture and stir until the macaroni is well-coated.
2. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the mac and cheese.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy!

Notes

For variations, add sautéed onions or garlic to the roux, or include cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for an extra twist. Can be customized with different cheeses or spice levels.