White Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Overview:
This delightful White Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to fill your home with its enticing aroma as it bakes to cheesy perfection. Not only is it a hit with kids, but it’s also a quick and easy dish to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a creamy, indulgent treat that everyone will love!
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 661.5 per serving
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 3 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s ready to bake your delicious macaroni and cheese to perfection.
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Prepare Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter in the olive oil over medium heat until it becomes a luscious, golden liquid.
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Add Flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it develops a slightly nutty aroma. This creates a roux that will thicken our cheese sauce beautifully.
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Whisk in Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. This step ensures a smooth, creamy sauce with no lumps.
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Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until they melt into the sauce. Then, add the black pepper, salt, paprika, basil, oregano, and parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
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Combine with Noodles: Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked elbow macaroni, and gently mix until all the noodles are evenly coated in the creamy goodness.
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Bake: Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased square baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven, and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
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Final Touch: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an irresistible finishing touch.
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Rest and Serve: Allow the White Macaroni and Cheese to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents any burnt tongues from eager taste-testers!
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy delight pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and sides. Consider serving it alongside grilled steak, steamed broccoli, boiled potatoes, crispy fried chicken, or succulent honey-glazed ham for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy!
Thank you for trying out this scrumptious White Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather around the table, share some laughter, and savor every cheesy bite. Enjoy! 🧀🍽️