Becka’s Macaroni & Cheese Recipe π§
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Becka’s Macaroni & Cheese recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. This classic dish promises a creamy, cheesy delight that will leave everyone craving for more. Let’s dive into the details and craft this irresistible creation together!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 cups | Elbow macaroni |
| 4 tbsp | Butter |
| 4 tbsp | Flour |
| 2 tsp | Dry mustard |
| 1/8 – 1/4 tsp | Cayenne pepper |
| 1 cup | Butter |
| 4 tsp | Salt |
| 2 cups | Milk |
| 4 cups | Heavy cream |
| 1 cup | Medium cheddar cheese |
| 2 cups | Colby cheese |
| 3 cups | Grated cheese (for topping) |
| 1 cup | Bread crumbs |
Instructions:
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Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
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Combine Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the medium cheddar and colby cheeses. Set aside for later.
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Prepare Pan: Grease a 13″ x 9″ lasagna pan with butter or nonstick spray.
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Melt Butter: In a 5-quart pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
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Add Flour & Spices: Whisk in the flour, dry mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
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Incorporate Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
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Thicken Sauce: Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
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Add Cheeses: Stir in almost 3 cups of the grated cheese mixture until fully melted and incorporated.
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Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
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Transfer to Pan: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared lasagna pan, spreading it out evenly.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the macaroni mixture.
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Prepare Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and bread crumbs until well mixed.
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Add Crumb Topping: Spread the buttery bread crumb mixture evenly over the grated cheese layer.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is heated through and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
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Broil (Optional): If the top layer is not crusty enough, broil briefly, being careful not to overbake.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of Becka’s Macaroni & Cheese!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 2406.8
- Fat: 97.4g
- Saturated Fat: 58.1g
- Cholesterol: 281.2mg
- Sodium: 2706.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 285.9g
- Fiber: 12.8g
- Sugar: 12.7g
- Protein: 92.9g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Tips for Success:
- Be sure to stir the cheese sauce constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking by experimenting with different varieties.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeΓ±os into the macaroni and cheese mixture before baking.
- Serve Becka’s Macaroni & Cheese as a standalone dish or as a delightful side to complement your favorite main courses.
Get ready to savor each creamy, cheesy bite of this homemade macaroni and cheese masterpiece! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, Becka’s recipe is sure to steal the spotlight on any occasion. Enjoy! π§π½οΈ
