Savor the timeless appeal of Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a dish that elevates the essence of comfort food to new heights of creamy, cheesy perfection. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises to delight everyone gathered around 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:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) before you begin crafting this delectable dish.
- Warm the Milk: In a microwave-safe container, warm the milk on HIGH for about 1 1/2 minutes. Set it aside for later use.
- Melt Butter and Whisk Flour: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture achieves a smooth texture. Keep whisking for approximately 1 minute.
- Gradually Add Warm Milk: Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring you whisk continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Consistent whisking is crucial to avoid lumps.
- Season and Add Cheese: Whisk in the salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. For a hint of heat, you can include ground red pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted, creating a velvety smooth sauce.
- Incorporate Cooked Macaroni: Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni until it’s thoroughly coated with the luscious cheese sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Top with Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese on top of the pasta, forming a cheesy layer that will turn golden during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: 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 delightfully bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once perfectly baked, 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
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- Add a pinch of ground red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick to the cheese sauce.
- Explore different cheese varieties to create unique flavor profiles.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.