Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes

by Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh October 21, 2020

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This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe features two types of cheese, whole roasted tomatoes, and a crispy panko topping. Easy to make, it’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts!

Looking for more homemade mac and cheese recipes? Try my Green Chili Mac and Cheese and Summer Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese, too!

Baked Macaroni n’ Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes – Healthyish Foods

Table of Contents

About this Recipe

Growing up, my mom always made us her baked macaroni and cheese recipe with roasted tomatoes. At the time, I hated when she would add the tomatoes and begged her to make us a batch without them. However, she always made it the same way every time.

Now that I’m an adult, I understand that she was completely right! The tomatoes add an extra burst of flavor and texture to the recipe. Any time you hit a juicy tomato with your fork, you know you’re in for the perfect bite.

After all, what’s better than cheesy noodles, juicy tomatoes, and crispy breadcrumbs? Not much! This remake of my mom’s dish floods me with so many great memories. It’s truly part of my childhood and is comfort food at its finest. I know it will become a favorite for you, too!

Recipe Ingredients

Pasta – I use elbow macaroni, but you can use any short cut pasta shape you like best.
Salted Butter – Use butter to toast the breadcrumbs and create a roux for the cheese sauce.
All-Purpose Flour – This forms the base of the roux.
Milk – Use milk to create a rich, creamy sauce. For the richest taste and creamiest flavor, I recommend using two percent milk.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – This creates a smooth sauce without diluting the flavor. If needed, low-sodium vegetable broth will also work.
Cheese – A combination of Velveeta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese creates a thick, creamy sauce with a bold, cheesy flavor.
Whole Roasted Tomatoes – Use whole canned tomatoes, and drain off the liquid, adding a pop of color and acidity that balances the richness of the dish.
Panko Breadcrumbs – These are made from crustless white bread that is processed into flakes and dried. As a result, they have a dry, flaky consistency and absorb less oil, creating a crisp, flavorful topping.

How to Make This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Prepare. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Toast. Add a dollop of butter to a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs to the melted butter, and lightly toast them until golden. Be careful not to burn! Then, remove the skillet from the heat, and set it aside.
Boil. Bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove, and cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, and drain the rest in a colander. Then, set the pasta aside.
Create a roux. Heat the butter and all-purpose flour in an oven-safe pan over medium heat to form a roux. Once the roux begins to bubble, slowly add the milk, whisking to combine. Next, add the low-sodium chicken broth, and whisk until well combined.
Add the cheese. Once the sauce is creamy, add the cubed Velveeta and shredded mozzarella. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir until the cheese is melted and no clumps remain.
Combine. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, and toss to combine and coat. Add the reserved pasta water as needed to thin out the sauce.
Add the tomatoes. Drain the whole roasted tomatoes, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Then, gently fold them into the mac and cheese, being careful not to break them down.
Bake. Top the entire dish with the toasted breadcrumbs, cover, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Broil. Remove the cover, and broil for one to two minutes or until the top is golden brown and extra crispy. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Avoid overcooking the pasta. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. So, be sure to cook it just to al dente. Otherwise, it’s likely to become mushy!
Use room temperature ingredients. Allowing your ingredients to sit out and come to room temperature before combining everything will allow for easier mixing, creating a smooth cheese sauce.
Shred the cheese. For the best taste and texture, buy a block of mozzarella, and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that impact its flavor and prevent it from melting as easily.
Stir constantly. When creating the cheese sauce, stir the ingredients constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Adjust the sauce. If the cheese sauce is too thick when adding the macaroni feel free to add the some of the reserved pasta water. Just be careful, because the pasta water is lightly salted. You don’t want to make your pasta too salty! If preferred, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or water instead.

Serving Suggestions

There’s not much this easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe doesn’t pair well with! I love to serve it for holiday meals alongside ham, roasted chicken, and turkey. However, it’s also great as a side dish with everyday meals like:

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. When you’re ready to eat, warm your mac and cheese in the microwave. Add a small amount of water or broth as needed to freshen the sauce and make it creamy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my baked macaroni and cheese recipe dry?

The most common reason for dry mac and cheese is having too much flour in the roux. For the best results, make sure to have equal parts butter and flour by weight.

Should I bake macaroni covered?

Yes, you want to cover your easy baked mac and cheese recipe until the very end. Otherwise, the breadcrumbs are likely to burn and the cheese sauce will become dry.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients in the dish. Then, instead of baking, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to one day. When you’re ready to eat, bake as usual, adding a few minutes as needed for the dish to warm through.

Other Macaroni and Cheese Recipes to Consider Trying

posted in: Dinner Recipes, Pasta Recipes

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