Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Description
This comforting and satisfying creamy baked macaroni & cheese was created back in the summer of 2003 when our daughter and her eight children came to stay with us for four months. With a large family to feed, I needed something hearty, filling, and not too expensive. After their stay, I adjusted the recipe into a smaller version for just the three of us, DH, DS, and myself. A key note to this recipe is the buttered topping. It’s not just for flavor – it helps keep the casserole moist, preventing the cheese from forming a crust on top, making it an essential addition to this classic comfort dish.
Recipe Category
Main Dishes, Comfort Food, Baked Casseroles
Cooking Time
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Margarine | 3 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried parsley | 1 tsp |
| Milk | 2/3 cup |
| Elbow pasta (or preferred shape) | 1 cup |
| Margarine (for topping) | 1 tbsp |
| Butter | 1/2 tbsp |
| Sweet paprika | 2 tsp |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 507.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 26.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 17.1 mg |
| Sodium | 796.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 54.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugars | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 12.4 g |
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the elbow pasta until al dente (slightly underdone, not soft). This ensures that the pasta holds its texture once baked in the casserole. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain completely.
-
Prepare the White Sauce: In a medium-sized non-stick pan, combine margarine and flour over medium-low heat. Stir continuously to make a roux, cooking until the mixture begins to bubble. Gradually add the milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth white sauce.
-
Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2 to 2.5-quart baking dish with a small amount of margarine or cooking spray. Begin layering your casserole by placing a portion of the cooked pasta in the bottom of the dish. Then, sprinkle about 3/4 of the yellow cheese evenly over the pasta, followed by a generous amount of the white sauce. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, cheese, and white sauce.
-
Top with Cheese: Finish by topping the casserole with the remaining 1/4 pound of yellow cheese, ensuring it covers the top evenly.
-
Prepare the Buttered Crumbs: In a small bowl, melt the margarine. Mix it with the bread crumbs to form a buttery topping. Evenly spread the buttered crumbs over the casserole, making sure to cover all the cheese and sauce layers.
-
Sprinkle with Paprika: Lightly dust the casserole with sweet paprika to give it a touch of color and flavor.
-
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly. The edges should be crispy, and the cheese should melt beautifully.
-
Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Additional Tips
- You can customize this recipe by adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a creamier version, feel free to swap out some of the milk for heavy cream, though the milk gives a nice balance of richness without being overly heavy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they reheat well in the microwave or oven.
This creamy baked macaroni & cheese is a perfect dish for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potlucks. The comforting layers of cheese, pasta, and white sauce are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy!
