Creamy Baked Elbow Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Elbow Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Handcrafted with love, this dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from sharp New York cheddar cheese. Layered and baked to perfection, it boasts an irresistible golden-brown crust that brings out the flavor of the cheese, making it a family favorite. Ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe is a nostalgic taste of childhood that can be shared and enjoyed by all.
4
Servings
517
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni
1 lb (Cook according to package instructions)
Sharp New York cheddar cheese
1 lb (chunk) (Cut into 1-2 inch cubes)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (Ready to layer)
Milk
1 cup (Used for the layer in the pan)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted for greasing the pan)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
Grease the bottom of a large casserole dish with melted butter.
4
Pour about 1 inch of milk into the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
5
Add a layer of macaroni to the dish, and then scatter some of the cubed sharp cheddar cheese over the macaroni. Repeat this process until all macaroni and cheese are layered, finishing with a final layer of the macaroni on top.
6
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the macaroni layer.
7
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
8
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden brown.
9
Allow to cool for a few moments before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked elbow macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
39g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Elbow Macaroni and Cheese?
It is a comfort food dish featuring elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from sharp New York cheddar cheese, then baked to create a golden-brown crust.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of elbow macaroni.
What specific cheese is used for the main layers?
The recipe uses 1 lb of sharp New York cheddar cheese, cut into 1-2 inch cubes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the casserole dish?
Grease the bottom of a large casserole dish with 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the purpose of adding milk to the bottom of the dish?
About 1 inch of milk (approximately 1 cup) is poured into the dish to create a creamy sauce as it bakes with the cheese and pasta.
How should the macaroni be cooked before baking?
Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
How are the ingredients layered in the dish?
Layer the macaroni and cubed cheddar cheese alternately, finishing with a final layer of macaroni on top.
What cheese is used for the top crust?
One cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese is sprinkled over the final layer of macaroni.
How long does the dish bake while covered?
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
How long does the dish bake uncovered?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 517 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 24g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this mac and cheese?
There are 30g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 39g of carbohydrates.
What size should the cheese cubes be?
The sharp New York cheddar chunk should be cut into 1-2 inch cubes.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this dish?
Based on the provided nutritional information, there is no fiber or sugar listed for this recipe.
What makes the top layer bubbly and golden?
Removing the aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking allows the shredded cheese to melt and brown.
Can this recipe be considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a 'One Dish Meal'.
How much butter is needed?
You need 3 tablespoons of butter, melted for greasing the pan.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 5 main ingredients: elbow macaroni, sharp New York cheddar cheese, shredded cheddar, milk, and butter.
What kind of milk is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of milk to be used for layering in the pan.
Should the dish be served immediately?
It is recommended to allow the dish to cool for a few moments before serving to let the cheese sauce set.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite and a nostalgic taste of childhood.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include mac and cheese, comfort food, baked pasta, cheesy pasta dish, family recipe, and one dish meal.
What is the total prep for the cheese chunk?
The 1 lb chunk of New York cheddar should be cut into 1-2 inch cubes before layering.
Does the recipe include any seasonings?
The recipe relies on salted water for the pasta and the natural sharpness of the New York cheddar for flavor.
What equipment is needed for baking?
You will need a large casserole dish and aluminum foil.
What texture can I expect from the cheese inside?
By using cubed cheese instead of just shredded, the dish features pockets of rich, melted cheddar inside the creamy sauce.