Bird's Irresistible Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in Bird's Irresistible Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese, a decadent and creamy dish that has become a staple at every gathering and family dinner. This recipe combines a rich blend of freshly grated cheddar and parmesan cheeses, creating a velvety sauce that envelops perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. The addition of cream cheese elevates the dish's texture to extraordinary levels of creaminess. Topped with a buttery and crunchy layer of seasoned bread crumbs, this macaroni and cheese will make your taste buds sing and leave your guests clamoring for seconds. For a lighter variation, don't forget to check out Recipe #272413!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 (tablespoons, melted)
flour
3 (tablespoons)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
ground mustard
2 (teaspoons)
black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
2% low-fat milk
3 (cups)
heavy cream
1 (cup)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 (cups)
grated parmesan cheese
1 (cup)
cream cheese
4 (ounces, softened)
elbow macaroni
16 (ounces, fully cooked (large style))
seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 (cup)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the flour, salt, ground mustard, and black pepper, whisking until a smooth paste forms.
3
3. Slowly pour in the 2% milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously. Cook while stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
4
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan, and softened cream cheese, mixing until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated.
6
6. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
7. Sprinkle the seasoned bread crumbs over the top, ensuring an even layer across the dish.
8
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bird's Irresistible Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese?
It is a decadent and creamy baked pasta dish that features a rich blend of cheddar, parmesan, and cream cheese with a crunchy bread crumb topping.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of large-style elbow macaroni, which should be fully cooked before being mixed with the sauce.
How many types of cheese are used in the sauce?
Three types of cheese are used: shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and softened cream cheese.
What size baking dish do I need?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking dish that has been greased.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I start making the cheese sauce?
Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, then whisk in the flour, salt, ground mustard, and black pepper to form a paste.
What liquids are used for the creamy base?
The recipe requires 3 cups of 2% low-fat milk and 1 cup of heavy cream.
How long does it take for the milk mixture to thicken?
It typically takes about 8-10 minutes of continuous stirring for the mixture to thicken.
When should I add the cheeses to the mixture?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before gradually stirring in the shredded cheddar, grated parmesan, and softened cream cheese.
Why is cream cheese included in this macaroni and cheese recipe?
Cream cheese is added to elevate the dish's texture to extraordinary levels of creaminess.
How much shredded cheddar cheese is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
What is the purpose of ground mustard in the recipe?
Ground mustard is used as a seasoning to enhance the savory flavor of the cheese sauce.
What kind of topping is used for the crunch?
A layer of 1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs is sprinkled over the top before baking.
How long should the macaroni and cheese bake?
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the macaroni and cheese is finished baking?
The dish is ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Should I serve the dish immediately after baking?
It is recommended to let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and a staple for gatherings and family dinners.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe available?
Yes, for a lighter variation, the author suggests checking out Recipe #272413.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of flour.
What type of parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of butter.
What seasonings are added to the sauce base?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I use 2% milk for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3 cups of 2% low-fat milk.
What is the total amount of cream cheese needed?
You will need 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Are the bread crumbs mixed into the pasta?
No, the bread crumbs are sprinkled evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese mixture.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of heavy cream to ensure a velvety sauce.
Does the macaroni need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the elbow macaroni should be fully cooked before being combined with the cheese sauce.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include comfort food, cheesy, baked pasta, gourmet, family recipe, and kid-friendly.
Is the bread crumb topping seasoned?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for seasoned bread crumbs.
How much black pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.