Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Introduction:
There’s something timeless about a dish of creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese.
This quintessential comfort food, with its golden-brown crust and velvety cheese sauce, invites a sense of nostalgia and warmth into any meal.
Ideal for a cozy family dinner or as a hearty side dish during the holidays, this classic recipe blends simplicity with indulgent flavors to satisfy cheese lovers of all ages.
Ingredients:
1 pound macaroni pasta
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup cream cheese
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden but not browned. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken slightly. Reduce heat and add cream cheese, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is melted.
Combine: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 3 cups of the cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in the pot, stirring well to coat all the pasta.
Assemble: Transfer the cheesy macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by breadcrumbs and drizzle with melted butter.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Let the macaroni and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Conclusion:
This classic baked macaroni and cheese recipe not only fills the room with its enticing aroma but also brings a smile to everyone’s face with its comforting and familiar taste.
The crispy breadcrumb topping provides a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta underneath, making each bite a perfect harmony of textures.
Serve this dish on its own or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Notes:
- For an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- The recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
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