Classic Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This Classic Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a beloved recipe passed down from my husband's aunt in the 1960s and remains my go-to dish for family gatherings and potlucks. It features a rich and velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of cheeses, perfectly baked with a golden-brown crust. This comforting dish is sure to be a hit with everyone, offering a nostalgic taste of home-cooked goodness.
12
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
16 ounces (cooked until just tender)
salt
2 teaspoons (for boiling water)
water
2 quarts (for boiling)
eggs
4 (beaten)
milk
3 1/2 cups
sugar
1 tablespoon
vinegar
1/4 teaspoon
baking powder
1/4 teaspoon
dry mustard
1 teaspoon
cornstarch
2 teaspoons
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
cheese
24 ounces (shredded)
cheese
8 ounces (shredded for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot and add 2 teaspoons of salt.
3
Add the macaroni noodles to the boiling water and cook until just before al dente. The noodles will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly.
5
Add the milk to the beaten eggs and stir until well combined.
6
Mix in the sugar, vinegar, baking powder, dry mustard, cornstarch, and melted butter.
7
Fold in the cooked macaroni noodles, making sure each noodle is well coated with the egg mixture.
8
Stir in two 12-ounce packages of shredded cheese, reserving the 8-ounce package for later use.
9
Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
10
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
11
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the edges are slightly browned.
12
Sprinkle the reserved 8 ounces of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni.
13
Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
14
Do not overbake. Remove from the oven and let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
23.3g
Fat
33.3g
Carbs
17.3g
Protein
1g
Fiber
3.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this recipe called?
This recipe is for Classic Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese.
What is the history of this recipe?
It is a beloved family recipe passed down from the creator's husband's aunt in the 1960s.
How many servings does this macaroni and cheese recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to initially?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
How much elbow macaroni is needed?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of elbow macaroni.
How should the macaroni noodles be cooked before baking?
They should be cooked in boiling salted water until just before al dente so they can finish cooking in the oven.
How many eggs are used in the cheese sauce?
The recipe requires 4 thoroughly beaten eggs.
How much milk is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 3 1/2 cups of milk.
Is there sugar in this macaroni and cheese?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Why is vinegar used in this recipe?
A 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar is added to the egg and milk mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
Does this recipe use baking powder?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder is included in the mixture.
What role does dry mustard play?
1 teaspoon of dry mustard is added for a hit of savory flavor.
How much cornstarch is required?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of cornstarch as a thickener.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
How much total cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe uses a total of 32 ounces of shredded cheese: 24 ounces for the mixture and 8 ounces for the topping.
What size baking dish should be used?
A buttered 9 x 13 inch baking dish is required.
How long is the initial baking time?
The dish is first baked at 450°F for 15 minutes.
What happens to the oven temperature after the first 15 minutes?
The temperature should be reduced to 375°F (190°C).
How long is the second baking phase?
The dish bakes for an additional 15 minutes at the lower temperature until bubbly.
When do I add the remaining 8 ounces of cheese?
The reserved cheese is sprinkled over the top after the first 30 minutes of total baking time.
What is the final baking time after adding the topping?
Bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Should the macaroni and cheese rest after baking?
Yes, let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 23.3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 17.3g of protein.
Does this dish contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 1g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 3.3g of sugar per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, the description notes it is a go-to dish for family gatherings and potlucks.
What are the main flavor characteristics?
It is described as having a rich and velvety cheese sauce with a golden-brown crust.