Better Than “Out of the Box” Macaroni and Cheese 🧀
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Description:
Inexpensive. Delicious. Good when you’re in the mood for some real comfort food. Sometimes I like to add onions or broccoli.
Recipe Category: Cheese
Keywords:
Kid Friendly, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Macaroni |
| – | Cheddar cheese |
| 1 | Flour |
| 1/2 | Butter |
| 4 | Milk |
| 4 | Salt |
| 2 1/2 | Pepper |
| – | Cheese |
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 455.7
- Fat Content: 17.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 49.8mg
- Sodium Content: 354.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 55.3g
- Fiber Content: 2.2g
- Sugar Content: 1.5g
- Protein Content: 17.6g
Instructions:
Cheese Sauce (Can be made the night before):
- Heat butter in a 2qt saucepan until melted.
- Stir in flour.
- Stir constantly to make a paste.
- Continue stirring until the mixture begins to bubble (be sure not to let it brown!), about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the hot milk, stirring to make sure butter and flour are incorporating well. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and continue to cook, stirring, 3-4 minutes more. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cheese, stir until melted.
- If making the night before, be sure and cover the pan while sauce cools to prevent a skin from forming.
To Put It All Together:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Butter a large baking dish.
- Place partially cooked macaroni in the dish.
- Pour cheese sauce over pasta, fold in gently.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over pasta.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the sauce bubbles and the top is a lovely golden brown.
This Better Than “Out of the Box” Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a delightful take on a classic favorite, offering the perfect blend of creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni noodles. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner, a potluck gathering, or just craving some comforting goodness, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins like onions or broccoli for an extra flavor boost! Enjoy the heartwarming taste of homemade goodness in every bite.
