Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious meal, baked mac and cheese is the way to go. And guess what? You don’t need a conventional oven to make it! In this article, we will show you how to cook baked mac and cheese in an oven toaster. It’s a quick and easy recipe that will leave you wanting more.
Preparing the ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of macaroni
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of milk
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 teaspoon of mustard (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Breadcrumbs (optional, for an added crunch)
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before we start cooking. Now, let’s move on to the next step.
Cooking the macaroni
Step 1:
Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Place it on the stove over high heat and bring it to a boil.
Step 2:
Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. It usually takes around 8-10 minutes for the macaroni to become al dente.
Step 3:
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain the water and set the macaroni aside. It’s important to rinse the macaroni with cold water to prevent it from sticking together.
Making the cheese sauce
Step 4:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously until a thick paste forms. This is called a roux.
Step 5:
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken.
Step 6:
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan and stir until the cheese has melted completely. This will create a creamy and cheesy sauce.
Step 7:
For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of mustard and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
Bringing it all together
Step 8:
Preheat your oven toaster to 350°F (175°C). While it’s preheating, prepare an oven-safe dish and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
Step 9:
In the prepared dish, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheesy sauce. Mix thoroughly, ensuring that every macaroni is coated with the delicious cheese goodness.
Step 10:
If you want to add an extra layer of texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese. It will give a delightful crunch to the dish.
Step 11:
Place the dish in the preheated oven toaster and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 12:
Carefully remove the dish from the oven toaster using oven mitts, as it will be hot. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving and enjoying
Once the baked mac and cheese has cooled slightly, it’s time to dig in. Serve it as a main dish or as a side alongside your favorite protein. You can also add some steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness.
Now that you know how to cook baked mac and cheese in an oven toaster, you can easily whip up this delicious dish anytime you want. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized according to your taste. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add some crispy bacon for a twist. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and savor every bite!