Baked Mac And Cheese Casserole Recipe

Who doesn���t love a good, cheesy, comforting dish! Folks, today we’re talking about a classic, and a personal favorite of mine: Baked Mac And Cheese Casserole. This dish is ideal for all occasions, be it a weekday dinner, a weekend family gathering, or even a holiday feast. It’s a versatile comfort food that never fails to please the crowd.

Its creamy, cheesy texture, combined with the golden, crispy top, makes this casserole incredibly irresistible. Baking it adds an extra depth of flavor that you would both see and taste! Not to mention the playful mix of cheese choices that elevates the overall experience. I’m telling ya’, it’s just a big ol’ dish of pure heaven!

You’ll love this foolproof recipe because it’s easy, simple, and delivers consistent cheesy deliciousness. It doesn’t cut corners in terms of flavor and textural satisfaction.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 people
• Yield: 1 casserole

Ready to dive into the world of cheesiness? Let’s get started!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 lb macaroni
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

You will also need a large saucepan, whisk, 9×13 baking dish, and aluminum foil for this recipe.

The sharp cheddar cheese and the milk form the basis of our rich cheese sauce, while the all-purpose flour and butter create a roux that helps thicken it. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, but sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.

How To Make Baked Mac And Cheese Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350F degrees and bring a pot of salted water to boil for the macaroni.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In the meanwhile, melt butter in another saucepan and add flour. Stir until mixture thickens.
4. Slowly add milk to the saucepan, keep stirring until you get a homogeneous mixture.
5. Add cheddar cheese to the milk mixture and keep stirring until it’s completely melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Drain cooked macaroni and stir it into the cheese sauce until well coated.
7. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to your baking dish, add remaining cheese on top and cover with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese on top turns golden and bubbly.

Tips For The Best Results

• Undercook your pasta by 2 minutes for the perfect al dente texture.
• Use fresh cheese and grate it yourself.
• Stir the cheese sauce constantly to avoid clumps or burns.

Storage Tips

• This casserole can be stored in an air-tight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze it for extended storage up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Sure, feel free to mix different types of cheese. Just keep it melty and flavorful.

Q: Can I add some protein to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Bacon or shredded chicken would taste great in this casserole.

Q: Can this dish be made gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Just remember to bake it before serving.

Q: What can I serve with this?
A: A side of steamed vegetables or a light green salad would perfectly balance out the rich casserole.

Nutritional Facts of Baked Mac And Cheese Casserole

This recipe provides approx 570 calories per serving, total fat 33g (14g saturated), total carbohydrates 48g, protein 20g, and sodium 880mg.

There you have it. Quite frankly, I believe the Baked Mac And Cheese Casserole is a cheese lover’s paradise. It’s savoury, cheesy, and unequivocally satisfying. As for serving, why not pair it with a refreshing green salad or some garlic buttery corn on the cob? Enjoy!