Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe 🧀

Overview:

This delightful Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Say goodbye to boxed mac and cheese and hello to homemade goodness! 🍽️

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter
12 slices cheddar cheese
4 slices mozzarella cheese
5 cups milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). 🔥

2. Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese Layers:

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by layering the ingredients in the following order:

First, spread the elbow macaroni evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Next, slice the butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the macaroni layer.
Now, arrange the cheddar cheese slices on top of the butter, covering the macaroni evenly.
Layer the mozzarella cheese slices over the cheddar cheese slices.

3. Add the Milk:

Once the cheese and butter layers are in place, carefully pour the milk evenly over the top layer. The milk will infuse the dish with creamy goodness as it bakes. 🥛

4. Bake to Perfection:

Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for approximately 1 hour. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown on top, and the macaroni will be tender and cooked to perfection.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the Baked Macaroni and Cheese is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The aroma alone will have your family gathering around the table in eager anticipation! Serve generous portions and watch as smiles spread across everyone’s faces. 😋

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 681.3
Fat Content: 46.4g
Saturated Fat Content: 28.9g
Cholesterol Content: 143.7mg
Sodium Content: 708.2mg
Carbohydrate Content: 36.7g
Fiber Content: 1.1g
Sugar Content: 1.4g
Protein Content: 29.7g

Tips and Variations:

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, fontina, or pepper jack can add unique flavors to your dish.
For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the cheese before baking.
Add a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of spice.
To make this dish even more nutritious, sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

There you have it, a simple yet irresistible recipe for Baked Macaroni and Cheese that will become a staple in your household. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and the smiles it brings to your table! 🌟