Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Creamy baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting classic that combines tender pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce. This recipe uses a blend of medium and extra sharp cheddar for a perfect balance of flavors and a golden, bubbly topping.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces macaroni
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 1/2 cups 2% milk
• 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8 to 9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a heavy-bottomed large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the flour, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper over the melted butter. Whisk continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Step 5: Gradually stir in the milk, adding 1/2 cup at a time. Wait until each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next.
6. Step 6: Add the medium cheddar cheese and half of the extra sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and well combined, then stir in the cooked macaroni.
7. Step 7: Pour the mixture into a 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining extra sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top.
8. Step 8: Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking.
• Use whole milk or heavy cream instead of 2% milk for an even richer sauce.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for extra flavor.
• Swap out cheddar for gouda or gruyère for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux and ensure the pasta is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 620 reviews

This creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe combines two types of cheddar cheese for a rich, flavorful dish. The macaroni is cooked al dente, then enveloped in a smooth, cheesy béchamel sauce, seasoned with a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting classic is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Macaroni

• 16 ounces macaroni

Sauce

• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 1/2 cups 2% milk

Cheese

• 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to prepare for baking the macaroni and cheese later.
2. Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8 to 9 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt Butter: In a heavy-bottomed large pot over medium heat, melt the butter carefully to avoid browning.
4. Make Roux and Season: Sprinkle the flour, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper over the melted butter while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened slightly.
5. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly incorporate the milk into the roux by adding it 1/2 cup at a time, whisking well after each addition until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
6. Stir in Cheese and Macaroni: Add all the medium cheddar cheese and half of the extra sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted. Then fold in the cooked macaroni, coating it evenly with the cheese sauce.
7. Assemble and Top: Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into a 3-quart baking dish and sprinkle the remaining extra sharp cheddar cheese on top for a golden crust.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees F until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

• For an extra crispy top, you can broil the macaroni and cheese for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
• Allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
• You can substitute whole milk for 2% milk for a richer sauce.

Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheddar cheese macaroni, comfort food, homemade mac and cheese