Overview
Baked Mac n Cheese / Mac n Cheese Bites http://www.asweetpeachef.com/pasta/baked-mac-n-cheese/ Bites: http://www.chef-in-training.com/2015/05/homemade-mac-and-cheese-bites/ Notes: Noodle Options: Spiral, macaroni, penne, wheels; Does not work well: shells, bowtie Good with hot dog, pork chops, ribs Serves: 2 (with leftovers) 8 oz. package penne noodles or any shape (macaroni for bites) 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1/8 tsp. garlic powder (or generous serving) 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided 1 cups jack cheese, grated and divided 1/2 cup milk 3/4 cup heavy cream (or Half and Half as a backup) ###### Serves: 6 1 lb. package penne noodles (can also use macaroni or shells) 4 tbsp. unsalted butter (plus more to grease baking dish) 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided 2 cups jack cheese, grated and divided 1 cup milk 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or Half and Half) ###### * For Bites, use macaroni shape and bake according to instructions at the bottom Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a medium-sized casserole/baking dish with softened butter and set aside (I use a 9x9x2 dish). Cook noodles according to package instructions, in salted water. When al dente (still firm, but mostly cooked), remove and drain. Make sure to not completely cook through, as they will continue to cook when baked. In a medium-large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, slowly sprinkle in flour and stir to combine. Mix in the salt, pepper and garlic powder. Slowly add the milk and cream into the mixture, stirring constantly. Bring mixture almost to a boil, then reduce to low and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until thickened. Sprinkle in 3 (or 1.5) cups of the cheddar and 1 (or 1/2) cup of the jack, stirring well to melt. Cook an additional 4-6 minutes. Season to taste and remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl or in the pot used to cook the noodles, mix the noodles with the cheese sauce. Add mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the dish until well covered. Optional breadcrumbs Bake 20-25 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly and golden brown. ##### BITES Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray mini muffin tins with cooking spray. Spoon mac and cheese into mini muffin tins and top each with a small pinch of remaining cheese. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool 5 minutes before gently removing the bites.