Classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
A timeless dish that takes you back to your childhood, this Classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich and velvety cheese sauce made from real American or cheddar cheese. Topped with fresh tomato slices and baked to perfection, this recipe from a beloved 1970s cookbook stands the test of time, offering warmth, comfort, and nostalgia in every bite.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
6 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups, cooked according to package directions)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (plus extra for sprinkling on tomatoes)
pepper
1 dash (freshly ground)
milk
2 cups (whole milk)
American or cheddar cheese
2 cups (cubed)
tomato
1 medium (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the elbow macaroni as per package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until tender but not browned, stirring frequently, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Sprinkle in the flour, salt, and a dash of pepper, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
5
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and is bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
6
Reduce the heat to low, add the cubed cheese, and stir until fully melted and smooth.
7
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure it’s evenly coated.
8
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Arrange the tomato slices evenly over the top and sprinkle lightly with additional salt.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the tomato slices are slightly roasted.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese?
It is a timeless comfort food dish that combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce and is topped with tomato slices.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for elbow macaroni.
How much macaroni do I need?
You will need 6 ounces of elbow macaroni, which is about 1 1/2 cups when cooked.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does this dish need to bake?
The macaroni and cheese should bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using real American or cheddar cheese.
Should the cheese be shredded or cubed?
The instructions specify using 2 cups of cubed cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Are there onions in this mac and cheese?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 1 1/2-quart casserole dish is recommended.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, prepare the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and drain it before mixing with the sauce.
What ingredients are in the cheese sauce base?
The sauce is made from butter, onion, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and milk.
How much milk is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of whole milk.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
What are the toppings for this baked mac and cheese?
The dish is topped with one medium thinly sliced tomato and a sprinkle of salt.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
Flour acts as a thickening agent to create a creamy sauce that coats the spoon.
How long should I cook the onions?
Cook the finely chopped onions in melted butter for about 3-4 minutes until tender but not browned.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a dash of freshly ground pepper.
When do I add the cheese to the mixture?
Add the cubed cheese after the milk mixture has thickened and the heat has been reduced to low.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe comes from a beloved 1970s cookbook.
Can I use a different type of flour?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of butter.
How do I know the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and is bubbly.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy cooking recipe suitable for a childhood favorite.
What should I do after removing the dish from the oven?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Can I add extra salt to the tomatoes?
Yes, the instructions suggest sprinkling the tomato slices lightly with additional salt before baking.
What is the texture of the finished cheese sauce?
The sauce is described as rich, velvety, and smooth.
How should the macaroni be combined with the sauce?
Mix the cooked macaroni well with the cheese sauce to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Cheese dishes.
What makes this a comfort food?
Its creamy texture, classic ingredients, and nostalgic 1970s origin make it a quintessential comfort food.