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Nothing beats a cozy, comforting baked pasta and cheese casserole. This dish is a family favorite, combining cheddar cheese with creamy milk and perfectly cooked pasta. It's simple, hearty, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let's dive into this cheesy goodness!
The name of the recipe: Baked Pasta and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz uncooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and pour into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
What You Will Need for This Dish
Read more: Baked Pasta Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make baked pasta and cheese casserole
- Pasta: Provides the base, absorbing the cheesy sauce, creating a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any meal.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy sauce, adding rich flavor and a gooey, satisfying texture to the casserole.
- Milk: Helps create the smooth, creamy sauce that binds the pasta and cheese together, ensuring every bite is luscious.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor and helping to create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings to the pasta, creating a cohesive, delicious casserole.
Essential Tools and Instruments
What tools/instruments will be needed to make baked pasta and cheese casserole
- Saucepan: Essential for making the cheese sauce by melting butter, cooking flour, and thickening milk.
- Whisk: Crucial for blending flour into melted butter and ensuring a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
- Baking dish: Needed to hold the pasta and cheese mixture while baking to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
- Colander: Used to drain cooked pasta, preventing it from becoming soggy.
- Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring milk, cheese, and other ingredients to maintain recipe balance.
Baked Pasta and Cheese Casserole
A comforting baked pasta dish with a cheesy twist.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta uncooked
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and pour into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Notes:
Feel free to add cooked bacon or vegetables for extra flavor.
Read more: Baked Pasta and Ricotta Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare pasta and cheese sauce as directed.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish but don't bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Follow make-ahead steps.
- Wrap baking dish in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Label with date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in fridge overnight before baking.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. It adds a subtle warmth that complements the cheddar perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
About 45 minutes, including cooking and baking time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, just assemble it and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I add vegetables or meat to the casserole?
Definitely, adding veggies or cooked meat can enhance the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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