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This Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, it’s a dish that brings back childhood memories. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe is easy to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into making this delicious casserole that’s sure to become a household favorite.
The name of the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
What You Will Need
Read more: Taco Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make mac and cheese casserole
Elbow macaroni: Provides the classic pasta base, perfect for holding the creamy cheese sauce in every bite.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: Essential for making the roux, giving the sauce its smooth, thick consistency.
Milk: Creates the creamy texture of the cheese sauce, blending all ingredients together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The main flavor component, giving the dish its cheesy, gooey goodness.
Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy macaroni.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make mac and cheese casserole
- Saucepan: Needed to make the cheese sauce by melting butter, stirring in flour, and gradually adding milk.
- Baking dish: Holds the macaroni and cheese mixture for baking, ensuring even cooking and a golden brown top.
- Whisk: Essential for stirring the cheese sauce to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Colander: Drains the cooked macaroni, removing excess water before mixing with the cheese sauce.
- Measuring cups: Accurately measures ingredients like macaroni, milk, and cheese for consistent results.
Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 4 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 3 cups Milk
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes:
Read more: Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the mac and cheese casserole as directed, but don't bake it.
- Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but skip baking.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. It enhances the cheddar and gives the mac and cheese a subtle warmth.
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