Easy Creamy Macaroni And Cheese Recipe Baked
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Description
This easy creamy macaroni and cheese recipe baked is the ultimate comfort food that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck party. The macaroni and cheese are baked in the oven, creating a crispy and golden crust on top while keeping the creamy and cheesy pasta underneath. This recipe requires only a few ingredients and is straightforward to make, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.Prep Time
The prep time for this recipe is around 15 minutes.Cook Time
The cook time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes.Ingredients
The ingredients needed for this recipe are:- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Equipment
The equipment required for this recipe are:- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, and drain well. 3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. 4. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown. 5. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. 6. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally. 7. Add the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the sauce, and stir until the cheese has melted. 8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, and stir until the pasta is coated evenly. 9. Pour the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish. 10. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni. 11. Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. 12. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.Notes
- It is essential to whisk the sauce continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- You can use any type of pasta for this recipe, but elbow macaroni works best.
- You can add any additional seasonings or herbs to the sauce to suit your taste.
- If you want a crispy top, broil the macaroni and cheese for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Nutrition Info
This recipe serves 8 people, and each serving contains approximately:- Calories: 417
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 21g
- Sodium: 568mg
- Sugar: 5g
Recipes FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Fontina. Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the macaroni and cheese ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake it in the oven as directed. Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes, you can freeze the macaroni and cheese before baking. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake it in the oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- If you want a more substantial macaroni and cheese, add cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham to the pasta before adding the cheese sauce.
- You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- For a creamier sauce, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
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