Description
This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting, classic dish featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce made with two types of cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it boasts a bubbly golden crust that’s sure to satisfy any cheese lover’s craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your mac and cheese mixture is assembled and prepared to bake.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk in the 2% milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Keep cooking the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Melt Cheeses: Lower the heat to low and stir in both the medium and extra sharp cheddar cheeses until fully melted, creating a rich, smooth cheese sauce.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbly, indicating the cheese is perfectly melted and set.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier. Then, dish out and enjoy your creamy baked macaroni and cheese!
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking to add a crispy crust.
- You can substitute 2% milk with whole milk or half-and-half for a richer sauce.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting quality.
- Letting the baked mac and cheese rest after baking ensures a creamier texture and easier serving.
