Main Street Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Main Street Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 300 grams elbow macaroni; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk (whole); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

60 min 6 servings Medium

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Main Street Baked Mac and Cheese

Diner-style baked macaroni and cheese with a creamy béchamel, three cheeses, and a crispy buttered crumb topping.

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

There's nothing quite like a comforting plate of diner-style Main Street Baked Mac and Cheese. This version takes a classic favourite and elevates it with a creamy béchamel sauce, a blend of three cheeses, and a crispy buttered crumb topping, making it perfect for any occasion. This recipe is ideal for those who want to bring a taste of nostalgia to their table, combining the richness of creamy cheese with a satisfying crunch. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or a casual dinner, this mac and cheese is sure to please everyone. Designed for home cooks who appreciate traditional comfort foods with a touch of sophistication, this dish comes together with ease, offering a deliciously creamy and crunchy texture that will have you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

Servings

For the pasta

For the béchamel sauce

For the cheese blend

For the topping

Instructions

Cook the macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Prepare the béchamel sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden colour.

Add milk to the sauce

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Keep whisking to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.

Season the sauce

Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

Combine pasta, sauce, and cheese

In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, béchamel sauce, and all the cheeses. Mix until the macaroni is evenly coated with sauce and cheese.

Pro tip: Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed for the best flavour.

Prepare the topping

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined.

Pro tip: For extra flavour, add a pinch of salt to the breadcrumb mixture.

Assemble and bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Pro tip: Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra crunch.

Cool and serve

Let the mac and cheese cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavour.</li><li>Let the béchamel sauce thicken properly for a creamy consistency.</li><li>Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch on top.</li><li>Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Main Street Baked Mac and Cheese with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A crisp, refreshing white wine or a light beer also complements the creamy and cheesy flavours beautifully. If you need to make it ahead, prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking stage and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, though the topping may lose some of its crispness.

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