Indulge in comfort with this classic Baked Mac and Cheese. A family favorite that takes a nostalgic dish to a whole new level with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines the convenience of a simple preparation with a taste that everyone loves.
Ingredients
馃崫 1 to 1.5 pounds of elbow macaroni
馃 1 stick of butter
馃尵 1/3 cup of flour
馃 1.5 cups of milk
馃 1 cup of heavy cream
馃崡 1 cup of chicken stock
馃崡 1/2 tablespoon of chicken bouillon
馃 Salt and black pepper to taste
馃 3 cups of cheddar cheese
馃 2 cups of mozzarella cheese
馃 Optional extra cheese of choice
Instructions
1- Prep the Macaroni:
- Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 5-6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken stock until smooth.
- Season with chicken bouillon, salt, and black pepper. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken.
3- Incorporate the Cheese:
- Gradually add in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
4- Combine with Macaroni:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is well covered.
5- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350掳F (175掳C).
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish.
- Top with additional cheese or your choice of extra cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6- Broil for a Finish:
- For a crispy top, switch the oven to broil on high and allow the top to brown for about 5 minutes.
7- Serve:
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy richness that requires no further accompaniment.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving): Proteins: 26g, Fats: 39g, Carbohydrates: 51g
Equipment: Saucepan, whisk, casserole dish
Cooking Tips:
- For a more complex flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations for an interesting twist.
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Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
