Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. While traditionally made in the oven, you can also make mac and cheese in a toaster oven. Making mac and cheese in a toaster oven is quick and easy, and it allows you to enjoy this tasty dish even if you don’t have access to a full-sized oven. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making mac and cheese in a toaster oven, step by step.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making mac and cheese in a toaster oven is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
– 1 cup of elbow macaroni
– 2 cups of milk
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the Macaroni
Step 1: Boil the Water
Fill a medium-sized pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the macaroni.
Step 2: Add the Macaroni
Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions. Usually, it takes around 8-10 minutes for the macaroni to become al dente.
Step 3: Drain the Macaroni
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure not to let it burn.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Once the butter has melted, add the all-purpose flour to the saucepan. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Gradually Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. This will help prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Next, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Toaster Oven
Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your mac and cheese bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Macaroni and Cheese
In a baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
Bake the Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cover the Baking Dish
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the top layer of mac and cheese from drying out.
Step 2: Bake in the Toaster Oven
Place the covered baking dish into the preheated toaster oven and bake for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown.
Step 3: Remove the Foil and Broil
After 20 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and turn on the toaster oven’s broil function. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the top layer of mac and cheese is crispy and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the mac and cheese is done baking, remove it from the toaster oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese sauce to thicken slightly. Serve the mac and cheese as a main dish or as a side with your favorite vegetables or salad.
In conclusion, making mac and cheese in a toaster oven is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic comfort food. By following these simple steps, you can create a creamy and delicious mac and cheese dish that the whole family will love. So next time you’re craving mac and cheese but don’t have access to a full-sized oven, give the toaster oven method a try.