Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Description: This is a nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of my childhood, a dish my mom used to whip up with love. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, and it’s highly customizable – you can play around with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. I personally enjoy adding a spicy kick to mine, but feel free to adjust according to your liking!
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Cheese
Keywords: Kid Friendly, Winter, Thanksgiving, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 494
- Fat Content: 17.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 51.4mg
- Sodium Content: 241.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 63.8g
- Fiber Content: 2.5g
- Sugar Content: 2.2g
- Protein Content: 18.9g
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/4 cups American cheese, shredded
- 1 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring that it’s well-coated to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute or until the butter has absorbed the flour and the mixture becomes smooth.
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Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the hot milk, ensuring that you continue stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to cook for about 3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
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Incorporate the Cheese: Next, add 1 cup each of the shredded American cheese and sharp cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
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Cook the Macaroni: While preparing the cheese sauce, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, and drain it again thoroughly.
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Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring that the macaroni is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
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Assemble and Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, creating a delicious cheesy crust.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade baked macaroni and cheese!
Tips: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss, to create unique flavor combinations. Serve this delicious macaroni and cheese as a standalone meal or as a comforting side dish alongside your favorite main courses. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with family and friends, and savor every comforting bite! 🧀🍽️
