Tammy’s Best-Ever Macaroni & Cheese ๐ง๐ฒ
Overview:
Tammy’s Best-Ever Macaroni & Cheese is a heartwarming, comforting dish, perfect for those seeking a gooey, cheesy delight that sticks to your ribs! Originally inspired by a simple recipe from her mother, Tammy has added her own touch to make this mac and cheese truly unforgettable.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 box | shell pasta |
| 2 tsp | salt |
| 6 cups | cheese, shredded |
| 1 cup | heavy cream |
| 1 tsp | onion powder |
| To taste | salt |
| To taste | pepper |
Instructions:
-
Boil Pasta: ๐
- Begin by boiling your shell pasta in a large pot of salted water for 10-12 minutes. You want it cooked just right, not too soft.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and let it sit in the colander for now.
-
-
Prepare Cheese Sauce: ๐ง
- In the same pot (less dishes to wash!), set over medium to medium-high heat (not boiling), pour in your heavy cream.
- Add in the onion powder, 1 tablespoon of salt, and a sprinkle of pepper to your liking.
- Mix these together until well combined, creating a creamy base.
-
Cheese, Please: ๐ง
- Gradually add the shredded cheese, about 2 cups at a time, into the creamy mixture.
- Stir continuously until each addition of cheese is completely melted and incorporated.
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Combine Pasta and Cheese: ๐
- Once all the cheese has melted into a gooey, luscious sauce, remove the pot from the heat.
- Gently fold in the drained pasta, ensuring it gets completely coated in that velvety cheese sauce.
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Bake to Perfection: ๐
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Butter a large casserole dish generously to prevent sticking.
- Pour the cheesy pasta goodness into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are delightfully bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy! ๐ฝ๏ธ
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving to avoid burning eager mouths.
- Scoop generous portions onto plates, each bite a perfect blend of creamy cheese and tender pasta.
Recipe Notes:
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Customize: ๐จ Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, like crispy bacon bits, sautรฉed mushrooms, or diced tomatoes, to make this mac and cheese your own creation.
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Make Ahead: โฐ Need to prepare in advance? You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Then simply bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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Cheese Choices: ๐ง Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors. Cheddar, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses can take this dish to the next level of cheesy goodness.
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Creamy Consistency: ๐ฅ If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or more heavy cream to reach your desired creaminess.
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Reheating: โป๏ธ To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 325ยฐF (160ยฐC) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tammy’s Best-Ever Macaroni & Cheese is a family favorite that’s sure to become a staple on your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, this dish is perfect for cozy nights in or special gatherings with loved ones. Indulge in each forkful of this classic comfort food, savoring the memories of home-cooked goodness with every bite. ๐กโจ
