Description
Creamy macaroni and cheese delights palates with nostalgic comfort from school lunchrooms. Rich cheese sauce coats tender pasta, promising a simple yet satisfying meal that connects memories and flavor in one delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) macaroni
- 3.5 cups (420 grams) shredded Cheddar cheese
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) milk
- 1.5 tablespoons (21 grams) butter
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, melted
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1.5 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 1 dash hot pepper sauce
- 0.5 cup (60 grams) bread crumbs
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a casserole dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Boil a large pot of water with a pinch of salt, then cook the macaroni until it reaches a tender yet firm texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water.
- Create a flavor-enhancing milk base by gently warming milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Incorporate mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot sauce, whisking until smooth and well integrated.
- Combine the drained macaroni with butter and a generous portion of shredded cheese, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution of melted cheese throughout the pasta.
- Pour the warm, seasoned milk mixture over the cheesy macaroni, mixing carefully to create a creamy, cohesive texture.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top of the pasta, creating a melty, golden surface.
- Prepare the crispy topping by mixing bread crumbs with melted butter until they become slightly clumpy and golden-hued. Evenly distribute this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Dust the top with a light sprinkle of paprika for added color and subtle flavor complexity.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become slightly crispy.
- For an extra-crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
Notes
- Customize the cheese blend by mixing sharp and mild cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
- Experiment with adding crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños for an unexpected flavor twist that elevates the classic recipe.
- Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and become creamier before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg