🧀 Detailed recipe for baked macaroni and cheese

This rich, creamy, and delicious mac and cheese is not only a favorite among children, but also a relaxing weekend comfort food for adults! Below, from a Hong Kong perspective, we'll break down the ingredients, the secrets to the white sauce, baking techniques, and suggested variations. 🍽️✨

What is Macaroni and Cheese?

Baked macaroni and cheese is a dish inspired by American home cooking. Cooked macaroni is mixed with homemade white sauce, topped with a mixture of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs, and baked in an oven until the surface is golden and crispy, and the inside is smooth and stringy.

Local interpretation: I love making this when I get home from work. The ingredients are readily available and the steps are simple. Adding breadcrumbs makes the top layer even crispier, making it a perfect complement to the macaroni in Hong Kong-style tea restaurants. Every bite is satisfying!

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• Macaroni: 180g

• Milk: 500 ml

• Butter: 20g

• All-purpose flour: 20 grams

• Cheddar cheese: 100g

• Buffalo mozzarella: 100 grams

• Bread crumbs: 2 tablespoons

• Salt and black pepper: as needed

• Chopped parsley: a little (for decoration)

The secret to making white sauce

1. Melt the butter over medium-low heat, add in flour and stir quickly until slightly expanded and free of particles to form a roux.

2. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring while pouring, and cook until it boils slightly and becomes thick without particles.

3. After turning off the heat, stir in the mozzarella first. Once melted, add the cheddar cheese and mix quickly to form a thick sauce.

4. Season with salt and black pepper, taste and adjust as needed.

Combination and baking steps

1. Cook macaroni according to the instructions on the package until 70% done, rinse with cold water and drain.

2. Toss the macaroni with the white sauce, making sure each piece is well coated.

3. Pour the macaroni mixture into the buttered baking dish and spread it evenly.

4. Sprinkle shredded cheese on the surface and evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs on it to add a crispy texture.

5. Preheat oven to 190°C/390°F and bake for 20–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly charred. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Editor's Tips

• Don't overcook the macaroni, otherwise it will be too soft when mixed with white sauce and baked.

• Keep stirring the white sauce over low heat to prevent lumps from forming.

• Bread crumbs can be mixed with a little melted butter and sprinkled on top to increase the crispiness.

• If you like a richer taste, you can add bacon, onion rings or mushrooms.

• If you want to reduce calories, you can use low-fat milk and half-fat cheese. Although it sacrifices a little richness, it is healthier.

With just a few basic ingredients—cheese, macaroni, milk, and breadcrumbs—you can make delicious baked macaroni at home, just as delicious as restaurant-quality ones. The rich aroma right out of the oven, the contrast between the creamy white sauce and the crispy topping, makes every bite irresistible! 🎉🧀