Baked Mac & Cheese

Recipe Info Recipe Info Ingredients Ingredients Directions Directions Tips Tips
Recipe Info Icon

Recipe Information

Total Time
:60
TOTAL
:40 PREP
:20 COOK
  • Serves 6
  • Minimal Prep
  • Cook Required

Program

Little Food Explorers Food Explorers Food for Us Passport to Healthy Living BC at the Table

Participation

Hands-On Preparation Teacher Demonstration Cooking Activity Observation Activity

Key Equipment Needed

Stove Oven

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp. butter, to grease the baking dish
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta (or penne or rotini)
  • Pinch salt, for pasta water
  • 1 cup grated sharp (aged) cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp. dry mustard
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Pinch salt and white pepper, to season

topping (optional)

  • Extra grated cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top
  • 3 Tbsp. bread crumbs

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Large spoon
  • Grater
  • Colander
  • Medium-sized pot
  • Large pot
  • Oven-proof baking dish
  • Oven mitts

Directions

  1. Turn on the oven to 350° F.
  2. Lightly grease the baking dish with butter. Fill a large pot ½ full with cold water and add a good pinch of salt. Put the pot on the stove and turn the heat on high.
  3. When the water is boiling, carefully add the macaroni and give it a stir with a spoon so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook about 8 minutes or as per package directions, until the pasta is al dente, firm but cooked through.
  4. When the pasta is done, strain the pasta by putting a colander into the sink and pour the macaroni and water into it. Shake out the water, leaving the macaroni.
  5. While the macaroni is boiling, start making the sauce. Grate the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and set aside.
  6. Put the butter in a medium-sized pot on the stove. Turn the heat on to low. Melt the butter.
  7. Sprinkle the flour and mustard over the melted butter. Stir into a smooth paste with a spoon. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds.
  8. Slowly add the milk to the pot and stir constantly until the mixture is smooth.
  9. Turn up the heat to medium. Cook the sauce for 6 - 8 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened and is smooth.
  10. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted.
  11. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until the sauce is mixed in. Season with a pinch of salt and white pepper.
  12. Tilt the pot toward the buttered baking dish. Using a spatula, scrape the macaroni into the dish. Spread the macaroni evenly and sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese and the bread crumbs on top.
  13. Put the baking dish in the oven for 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted.
  14. Let cool slightly and serve on a plate or in a bowl.

Tips

Jazz up this recipe! Add the following ingredients when mixing the noodles and sauce. Try adding a diced tomato and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Or add ½ cup chopped ham, and 1 cup frozen peas.
Can I use other cheeses?
Toggle FAQ
Certainly! Use different cheeses, such as Fontina and Romano and Gorgonzola.
How can I boost the fibre?
Toggle FAQ
You can increase the nutrition and fibre by using whole wheat pasta and whole wheat bread crumbs.

More to Explore!

Discover recipes for classroom learning.