Denise’s Macaroni & Cheese
Overview:
Denise’s Macaroni & Cheese is a delightful blend of creamy cheese sauce, tender elbow macaroni, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, baked to perfection. This recipe is perfect for those craving a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to please. With a mild cheesy flavor that can be adjusted to suit your preferences, it’s a family favorite that’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 761 per serving
- Keywords: < 60 Mins, Oven, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 4 cups milk
- 16 ounces American cheese, cubed
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for a bolder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Italian breadcrumbs
Instructions:
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Prepare Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until tender. Drain the cooked macaroni and place it in a 3-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
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Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground pepper. Cook and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick and creamy.
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Add Cheese:
- Once the sauce is thickened, add the cubed American cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- For a bolder flavor, you can also incorporate shredded sharp cheddar cheese at this stage.
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Combine and Bake:
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in the casserole dish. Gently stir until the macaroni is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the Italian breadcrumbs to the melted butter and stir until the breadcrumbs are just moistened.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the casserole dish.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 761
- Total Fat: 37.3g
- Saturated Fat: 22.9g
- Cholesterol: 102.1mg
- Sodium: 1289.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 75.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Protein: 31g
Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the cheese blend, add spices or herbs, or even incorporate cooked bacon or diced vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Serve Denise’s Macaroni & Cheese as a comforting main dish or as a delicious side alongside your favorite proteins or vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! 🧀🍽️
