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Recipe: Simple Baked Macaroni and Cheese
History:
Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that originated in the United States. It has its roots in traditional macaroni and cheese recipes that date back to the 18th century. Macaroni and cheese gained popularity over the years and became a staple in American households. The combination of tender macaroni pasta and creamy cheese sauce, baked to perfection, has made it a beloved dish for generations.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
- Gradually add the milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, usually around 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter to moisten them. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Steps to Prepare:
- Preheat oven and grease baking dish.
- Cook macaroni and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: melt butter, add flour, then milk gradually.
- Add shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan to the sauce.
- Combine cheese sauce and cooked macaroni.
- Transfer mixture to baking dish.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping and sprinkle over the macaroni.
- Bake in preheated oven until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Preparation Time:
- Preparing ingredients: 15 minutes
- Cooking pasta and making sauce: 20 minutes
- Baking: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 55-60 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Simple Baked Macaroni and Cheese!
Is there anything else you would like to know or ask about?
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a Simple Baked Macaroni and Cheese:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving, based on a typical recipe serving size):
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Around 350-400 calories
- Total Fat: Approximately 18-20g
- Saturated Fat: About 10-12g
- Cholesterol: Roughly 50-60mg
- Sodium: Around 500-600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Dietary Fiber: Roughly 1-2g
- Sugars: Around 4-6g
- Protein: Approximately 15-18g
Health Information:
- While baked macaroni and cheese is a delicious comfort food, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its relatively high calorie, fat, and sodium content.
- The dish is rich in saturated fat, which should be consumed in limited amounts as part of a healthy diet. Excessive saturated fat intake can contribute to heart disease.
- The high sodium content is a concern for those watching their salt intake. Excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues.
- To make the dish slightly healthier, consider using whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- You can also incorporate more vegetables into the recipe, such as steamed broccoli or spinach, to boost the nutritional content of the dish.
- Portion control is key. Enjoy the macaroni and cheese as part of a balanced meal that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
- If you’re looking to reduce calories and fat, you can experiment with using reduced-fat cheese and using less butter in the sauce.
- As with any indulgent food, it’s all about balance. Enjoy baked macaroni and cheese occasionally as a treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, it’s a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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