If you’re a fan of creamy comfort food, then you simply have to try Macaroni Béchamel!
This classic French dish is pure indulgence, with rich and velvety cheese sauce coating perfectly cooked macaroni. But what really sets it apart is the béchamel sauce, a smooth and luxurious base made with butter, flour, and milk.
It’s the secret to achieving that silky texture and subtle flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats Macaroni Béchamel. It’s one of those dishes that immediately makes you feel satisfied and happy.
For those who have not tried it before, Macaroni Béchamel is a creamy pasta dish that originated in France.
Made with tender pasta, a velvety cheese sauce, and a smooth and luxurious Béchamel sauce, it’s the kind of dish that you’ll want to savor every bite of.
Not only is it indulgent, it’s incredibly easy to make.
Here is everything you need to know about this delightful dish so you can recreate it at home.
About the pasta:
The first thing to consider when making Macaroni Béchamel is the pasta. It’s important to choose a shape that is going to capture the sauce effectively. Macaroni, rigatoni, or penne pasta are perfect choices, with their hollow centers and curved shapes.
Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial in this recipe as it will continue to cook and absorb the sauce when baked in the oven. To do this, follow the package instructions and subtract one minute from the recommended cooking time.
Macaroni Béchamel – A French Classic
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of macaroni
– 1/2 cup of butter
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 4 cups of milk
– 2 cups of cheddar cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
– salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
The Macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions (less one minute). Drain and set aside.
2. The next step is to prepare the Béchamel sauce.
This is achieved by melting butter in a saucepan and adding flour to make a roux. Then, gradually add room temperature milk while whisking continuously until it thickens and becomes smooth.
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir constantly until the mixture turns golden brown.*
- Gradually add the milk and stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and take it off the heat.
*First, make sure to melt your butter completely before adding your flour. Slowly add your milk while continuously whisking to prevent any clumps from forming.
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If it does clump, use a fine mesh strainer to sift out any any lumps before adding it to your macaroni.
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With this tip your macaroni Béchamel will be perfectly smooth and creamy every time.
3. Now it’s time to add the cheese.
Tip: You can use a combination of Gruyere, Cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, which will create a flavor balance.
- Add three-quarters of the grated cheese to the Béchamel sauce and stir until it’s melted.
- Fold the finished cheese into the cooked macaroni. Make sure each pasta noodle is coated in sauce.
4. Time to Bake.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
(Optional: Sprinkle bread crumbs on top. See more options below. ) - Bake the macaroni in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Voila! You’re ready to indulge.
Macaroni Béchamel Tips:
– To make the béchamel sauce thicker, add more flour.
– Experiment with adding different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
– For a healthier option, use whole wheat macaroni and low-fat milk.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
While baking, take a moment to acknowledge the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen. The arrival of this delectable scent is a sign that your Macaroni Béchamel is almost ready. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. This dish is best enjoyed when it’s still hot and creamy.
The origins of Macaroni Béchamel
Macaroni and cheese has been around for centuries — but béchamel sauce was only added in the 18th century. This béchamel sauce was groundbreaking in French cuisine and commonly used today in dishes like lasagna or moussaka.
This French classic is sure to become your go-to dish whenever you feel like indulging in a bowl of creamy heaven. So, next time you’re in the mood for some comfort food, grab the ingredients and get cooking- it’s worth it!
Options:
If you’re feeling daring, you might be interested in putting your spin on this century-old recipe.
- While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, you can add bacon to give it a newfound smoky flavor.
- For a vegetarian twist, chopped spinach is a great addition that compliments well with the cheese.
Ultimately, the variations are endless, so try different ingredients and see what works for you!
Pairings that complement Macaroni Béchamel
If you’re feeling fancy or want to add a twist to your meal, pair your Macaroni Béchamel with a white Chardonnay or Pinot Gris. It’s the perfect way to cut through the richness of the cheese, and the wine’s fruitiness is a fantastic accompaniment to the dish.
For dessert, you can switch to a light fruit tart or sorbet to balance the rich flavors.
Tips
Macaroni Béchamel is a versatile dish that fits any occasion and time of the year. It might feel indulgent, but it’s still an excellent dish for potlucks, family dinners, or a lazy night in.
Additionally, chill leftover Béchamel sauce and use it as a dipping sauce for your appetizers or other pasta dishes. It can even be used as a base for soups and stews.
Easy Macaroni Béchamel
Macaroni Béchamel is a dish that is easy to make, yet it feels like a luxurious meal without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re trying it for the first time or reinventing the recipe, it’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy.
With béchamel sauce as its foundation and its endless variations, you can never go wrong with Macaroni Béchamel.
So grab your fork, take a bite, and enjoy the velvety goodness of this French classic.
Bon appétit!
P.S. If you love pasta dishes as much as I do, you should see these other recipes…