Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
A classic comfort dish featuring rich, creamy cheese sauce blended with al dente macaroni and topped with golden melted cheese.
Ingredients
- ½ pound Elbow Macaroni
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 ½ cups Milk
- ¾ cup Half-and-Half
- 2 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Cook the macaroni in boiling water until al dente, then drain it and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper, then cook for 2 minutes until bubbles form.
- Gradually add milk and half-and-half, stirring constantly.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni and toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Pour half of the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup of cheese, then add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose quality cheese for maximum deliciousness.
- Pat the macaroni dry after cooking for better sauce adherence.
- Experiment with cheese blends for unique flavors.
- Taste the sauce before baking to adjust seasoning.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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