Dear Home Ec 101,
I have 3 things to cook at 350 degrees and 1 thing to cook at 400 degrees all at the same time. Can I bake the “baked macaroni and cheese” that’s supposed to be baked at 400 degrees at 350 degrees and increase the time?
Signed,
~Supersides Me
First of all, I am glad to see you are planning ahead. This way you won’t be panicking an hour before dinner is to be served.
Yes, your baked macaroni and cheese will be fine at 350°F. A quick Internet search will list hundreds of recipes for mac and cheese cooked in a range from 350°F to 425°F.
Sometimes recipes are very dependent on a specific temperature, these recipes are often of the more delicate variety: pastries, soufflés, cakes, etc. The temperature may also be critical when creating a specific effect with meat.
If you ever have time page through an old recipe book. You’ll find directions such as “cook in a slow oven for two hours.” A slow oven’s temperature was approximately 300°F. Most traditional recipes had approximate temperatures, as ovens have only become accurate in the last fifty years or so.
If you are looking for a great Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese, this is my favorite.
Good luck with your Thanksgiving Dinner, please let us know how it went.
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