Quick and Easy Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Scale
Ingredients
1 pound dry elbow macaroni
5 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
5 cups milk, heated
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (8 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 oz shredded fontina cheese or gouda cheese (optional)
1 cup crushed crackers
salt, black pepper to taste
Instructions
- To cook the macaroni, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Set aside to drain thoroughly.
- In a large saucepan melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour, a little at a time, whisking to incorporate.
- Add the cayenne pepper and whisk to combine.
- Gradually whisk in the heated milk.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick and creamy, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat.
- Add the cheeses and mustard and whisk until smooth and fully melted. Set aside.
- Melt the remaining butter.
- In a bowl combine the melted butter and crushed crackers. Set aside.
- Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 baking dish. Use a freezer-safe baking dish if you are going to freeze it.
- Sprinkle with cracker mixture.
- Set aside and let cool completely.
- Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.
- Bake, covered, for 40- 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 15 minutes or until the top is golden- brown.
- Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
- To cook the frozen mac and cheese, thaw in refrigerator for 24 hours, then bake as directed.
Find it online: https://misswish.com/make-ahead-mac-and-cheese