Baked macaroni and cheese are the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe takes it to a whole new level of creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely please everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
- 1 (10-ounce) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a microwave-safe container, heat the milk on HIGH for about 1 1/2 minutes until it’s warm. Set it aside for now.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture becomes smooth. Continue to cook and whisk constantly for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cook while whisking constantly for approximately 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens. It’s important to whisk continuously to avoid lumps.
- Whisk in the salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can also add ground red pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni until it’s well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Spoon the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese on top of the pasta, creating a cheesy layer that will turn beautifully golden when baked.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once baked to perfection, remove it from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on factors like the brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of ground red pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavor profiles.
- Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.