Classic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
When you’re craving comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a homemade Macaroni and Cheese. Rich, creamy, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this recipe from Love With Recipes combines the best ingredients to deliver a dish that’s both simple and indulgent. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish to complement your main course, this Macaroni and Cheese is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Macaroni (uncooked) | 12 oz |
| Evaporated milk | 2 cups |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Extra-sharp cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Velveeta cheese | 1/2 block |
| Dry mustard | 1/2 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic clove | 1, minced |
| Yellow onion | 1/2, chopped |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Margarine | 2 tbsp |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 769.1 kcal |
| Fat | 38.6 g |
| Saturated fat | 23.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 113.1 mg |
| Sodium | 600.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 72.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2.8 g |
| Protein | 32.9 g |
Instructions
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Cook the macaroni: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Prepare the onion and garlic: While the macaroni cooks, chop the yellow onion and garlic clove into small pieces, ensuring the flavors meld well when sautéed.
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Sauté the aromatics: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onions begin to soften.
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you finish preparing the cheesy sauce.
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Make the cheese sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the evaporated milk, sour cream, shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, and Velveeta cheese. Add the dry mustard and paprika, stirring everything until smooth and the cheese starts to melt into the mixture.
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Combine the melted butter and aromatics: Once the onions and garlic have sautéed, add them to the cheese mixture, along with the 1 tablespoon of melted butter (you can microwave this for convenience). Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
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Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and a pinch of paprika. This will create a crispy, flavorful topping that will bake beautifully in the oven.
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Assemble the casserole: Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish.
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Top with breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese, ensuring every corner is covered.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
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Cool and serve: Once out of the oven, let the Macaroni and Cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.
This Macaroni and Cheese recipe is as comforting as it is delicious, featuring a perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, and it’s ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing a quick dinner for your loved ones. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this will soon become a favorite in your household! Enjoy!
