Richly Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe π§π²
This recipe for Richly Baked Macaroni & Cheese promises a delightfully creamy and decadent dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a comforting meal, this mac and cheese is sure to impress both kids and adults alike. With its rich blend of cheeses and smooth, creamy sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy.
Total Time Breakdown β²οΈ
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Ingredients π
Let’s gather everything you need to make this heavenly macaroni and cheese:
- 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 10 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
Nutritional Information π½οΈ
Each serving (based on 6 servings per casserole) contains approximately:
- Calories: 644.2
- Fat: 45.2g
- Saturated Fat: 27.8g
- Cholesterol: 128.8mg
- Sodium: 894.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 39.2g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 3.2g
- Protein: 20.8g
Instructions π©βπ³
Now, let’s dive into the process of creating this luscious mac and cheese:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready when it’s time to bake your casserole.
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Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly and pour it into a 3-quart casserole dish. Set aside.
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Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and golden brown. This roux will help thicken your cheese sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and sour cream, ensuring a smooth blend without lumps. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to bubble and thickens to a creamy consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine.
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Combine the Cheese:
- Reserve 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese for the topping. Toss the remaining 9 cups of cheese with the cooked macaroni in the casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution.
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Mix in the Sauce:
- Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the macaroni and cheese mixture. Gently stir to coat the macaroni evenly with the creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens, and the macaroni starts to absorb all that cheesy goodness.
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Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously golden and crispy cheese crust when baked.
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Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy on the edges, while the interior remains creamy and smooth.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Dish out generous portions of this richly baked macaroni and cheese and watch it disappear quickly!
Tips for Perfect Mac & Cheese π§β¨
To ensure your mac and cheese turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist.
- Pasta Options: Although macaroni is traditional, other pasta shapes like cavatappi, fusilli, or penne work wonderfully, offering different textures and holding the sauce beautifully.
- Creamy Additions: For an even richer sauce, you can substitute part of the milk with heavy cream. Just be mindful of the additional calories and fat content.
- Seasoning: Experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crunchy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
Pairing Suggestions π·π₯
To complement your Richly Baked Macaroni & Cheese, consider pairing it with:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add a healthy and flavorful side.
- Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or a light red wine like Pinot Noir enhances the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion π
This Richly Baked Macaroni & Cheese is more than just a comfort food; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a simple weeknight meal, it’s a recipe that guarantees smiles and satisfied tummies. The creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni make this dish a standout favorite that you’ll come back to again and again.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a mac and cheese masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite! π½οΈπ§β¨
