In the world of comfort food, baked homemade macaroni and cheese stands tall as a timeless classic. This delightful dish, with its creamy, cheesy interior and crispy, golden-brown crust, has captured the hearts and taste buds of people across generations. Whether you're looking for a hearty weeknight meal, a side dish for a special occasion, or a dish to bring to a potluck, baked macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. With its ease of preparation and endless variations, this versatile dish can be tailored to suit any preference. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
BAKED HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This recipe was given to me by my friend Katie. It's a longtime favorite in her family.
Provided by Jody
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the macaroni, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in Cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted. Add the macaroni and stir to coat. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix the 1/4 remaining cup melted butter and crushed crackers together in a bowl; scatter the cracker mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture.
- Bake in preheated oven until golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 810.1 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Cholesterol 133.1 mg, Fat 49.9 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 32.4 g, SaturatedFat 28.9 g, Sodium 1011.5 mg, Sugar 9.8 g
YUMMY HOMEMADE BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
I love cheese, it is one of my favorite foods. So naturally, I decided to create a homemade macaroni and cheese.
Provided by tracielroy89
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 40m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Boil pasta till al dente, drain.
- Melt butter in sauce pan over low/medium heat, add flour and stir till thick and chunky.
- Add milk and whisk until butter and flour mixture has blended.
- Let cook until milk becomes thick, stirring often.
- Add all cheeses 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until cheese has melted before adding next amount.
- Once all blended and melted add salt and pepper to taste then add garlic.
- Grease an 8x10 casserole dish, pour in pasta and cheese sauce, stir till mixed.
- Break up one sleeve of ritz crackers over the top.
- Bake 20 minutes.
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the final flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with different types of cheeses to create your own unique dish.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: This means that the macaroni should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and ruin the texture of your dish.
- Make a creamy cheese sauce: The cheese sauce is the heart of any macaroni and cheese dish. Make sure to use a good quality butter and flour to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors, such as adding garlic, onion, or herbs.
- Top with a crispy breadcrumb topping: A crispy breadcrumb topping adds a nice contrast to the creamy cheese sauce. You can make your own breadcrumbs or use store-bought breadcrumbs.
- Bake until golden brown: Bake the macaroni and cheese until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that the dish is cooked through and has a nice crispy crust.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a macaroni and cheese recipe that everyone will love. Whether you like it classic or cheesy, baked or fried, there's a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni and cheese a try.
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