Creamy Tomato-Topped Mac ‘n Cheese

Mild and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese 🧀🍅

Overview:

Indulge in the comforting goodness of our Mild and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe! This dish boasts a velvety texture with a subtle flavor profile, making it perfect for those who prefer their mac ‘n cheese without sharp notes. Topped with oven-baked tomato slices, it’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Not specified

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded American cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1 large tomato, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your macaroni and cheese bakes to perfection.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Lemon-Kissed Zucchini Cake: A Citrusy Delight 🍋
   • 
     Golden Delights: Decadent Mandelbread/Biscotti Recipe
   • 
     Creamed Peas Toast
   • 
     Savory Balsamic Chicken Breasts with Cheesy Tomato Topping

2. Cook Macaroni: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.

3. Prepare Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, creating a light roux. This roux will help thicken the cheese sauce.

4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to combine. Return the saucepan to the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

5. Incorporate Cheese: Once the mixture has thickened slightly, reduce the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded American cheese until melted and smooth. This creates a rich and creamy cheese sauce.

6. Combine with Macaroni: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. The creamy sauce should envelop each piece of pasta, ensuring a decadent bite in every spoonful.

7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

8. Top with Tomatoes and Cheese: Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the macaroni and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded American cheese over the tomatoes. This adds a pop of color and flavor to the dish.

9. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden brown.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions and savor the creamy goodness with every forkful.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 411.2
• Fat: 16.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 10.2g
• Cholesterol: 47.6mg
• Sodium: 727.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 52.6g
  • Fiber: 2.4g
  • Sugar: 2.2g
• Protein: 12.2g

Keywords:

Cheese, Kid Friendly, Potluck, < 30 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Easy, Inexpensive

Enjoy Your Meal!

Delight your taste buds with this Mild and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe, where every bite is a harmonious blend of smooth cheese sauce and tender pasta, topped with savory baked tomatoes. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit!