Golden Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: ModerateServings
8
servingsPrep time
20
minutesCooking time
30
minutesCalories
450
kcalThis recipe for baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food – a rich and creamy cheese sauce combined with tender elbow macaroni, all baked in the oven until the top is golden and crispy. The sauce is made with a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, which gives the dish a savory, cheesy flavor that is sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe is easy to prepare and makes a great side dish for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked macaroni and cheese!
Notes
- This recipe for baked macaroni and cheese typically serves around 8 people. However, serving sizes can vary based on appetite and whether the dish is served as a main or a side dish.
- The prep time for this baked macaroni and cheese recipe is around 15-20 minutes. This includes boiling the macaroni, making the cheese sauce, and assembling the dish.
- The cook time for this baked macaroni and cheese recipe is around 25-30 minutes. This includes baking the assembled dish in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- The calorie count for this baked macaroni and cheese recipe can vary based on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving of 1/8th of the recipe contains around 400-500 calories. However, if you are looking for a more precise calorie count, I recommend using a recipe calculator tool and inputting the exact ingredients and amounts used in your version of the recipe.
- Baked macaroni and cheese is generally considered an easy to moderate difficulty dish. The recipe involves boiling macaroni and preparing a simple cheese sauce, which is then combined and baked in the oven. As long as you follow the recipe instructions carefully, it should be a straightforward process. However, some steps, such as making the cheese sauce, may require a bit of attention and skill to get right. Overall, this dish is accessible to cooks of all skill levels.