Recipe: Just Macaroni and Cheese
Description: Dive into the comforting embrace of this classic macaroni and cheese recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 1/2 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 455.9
- Fat: 25.5g
- Saturated Fat: 15.6g
- Cholesterol: 74.8mg
- Sodium: 511.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 40.7g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Protein: 15.9g
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Instructions:
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Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a 2-quart saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to resemble cornmeal.
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Add the Half-and-Half: Gradually pour in the hot half-and-half, stirring continuously with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming.
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Season: Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
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Add the Cheese: Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Cook the Macaroni: Meanwhile, cook 8 ounces of macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and transfer it to the prepared casserole dish.
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Combine: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in the casserole dish. Gently stir to coat the macaroni evenly with the cheesy sauce.
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Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup of bread crumbs with 1/2 tablespoon of melted butter until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
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Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese in the casserole dish.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
This Just Macaroni and Cheese recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends. With its rich and creamy sauce and crispy bread crumb topping, it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this delicious macaroni and cheese today! 🧀🍽️
