Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese Delight
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese Delight. This recipe is inspired by a cherished family tradition where rich American cheese was combined with long macaroni noodles, evoking nostalgic memories of my grandmother's kitchen. The dish has been given a modern twist by using Greek pastichio macaroni noodles, broken into hearty pieces that hold the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. If you can find the pastichio noodles, you won't be disappointed; however, traditional elbow macaroni or penne pasta works just as well. This rich and cheesy dish is baked to perfection, resulting in a golden crust and a warm, gooey center that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether it's a family dinner, a potluck, or simply a cozy night in, this baked macaroni & cheese is sure to be the star of the show!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni or penne pasta
2 cups (uncooked)
milk
1 1/2 cups (2% or skim)
flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (fresh & grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 1-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
4
In a medium bowl, combine a small amount of the milk with the flour, whisking until smooth and the flour is fully incorporated.
5
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the flour mixture, the rest of the milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.
6
Gradually add the cheddar cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it's fully melted and smooth before adding more.
7
Carefully fold in the cooked macaroni until it is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
8
Transfer the cheesy macaroni to the prepared casserole dish and evenly sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10
Let cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your delicious baked macaroni & cheese!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese Delight?
It is a rich and cheesy baked pasta dish inspired by a cherished family tradition, featuring a golden crust and gooey center.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using Greek pastichio macaroni noodles broken into pieces, but traditional elbow macaroni or penne pasta works just as well.
What size casserole dish should I use?
You should use a 1-quart casserole dish greased with cooking spray.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How should the pasta be cooked before baking?
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
How do I prevent the flour from clumping in the sauce?
Combine a small amount of the milk with the flour in a bowl and whisk until smooth before adding it to the rest of the milk.
What type of milk can be used?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/2 cups of either 2% or skim milk.
Which cheese is used for the main sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the creamy sauce.
How do I make the cheese sauce smooth?
Gradually add the cheddar cheese to the thickened milk mixture, stirring continuously until fully melted.
What is used to top the macaroni and cheese?
The top is sprinkled with 3 tablespoons of fresh and grated Parmesan cheese.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the dish for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the baked macaroni is done?
It is finished when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Should the dish be served immediately?
It is best to let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a favorite for children.
What seasonings are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What was the original inspiration for this dish?
It was inspired by the creator's grandmother, who used American cheese and long macaroni noodles.
What is the 'modern twist' in this version?
The modern twist involves using Greek pastichio noodles which hold the cheese sauce effectively.
Can I use penne pasta instead of macaroni?
Yes, penne pasta is a suggested alternative that works well with the creamy sauce.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, use cooking spray on the casserole dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Is the Parmesan cheese pre-shredded?
The recipe specifies using fresh and grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features a golden, slightly crunchy crust with a warm and gooey center.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Can this be served at a potluck?
Yes, this baked macaroni & cheese is an excellent choice for potlucks and family gatherings.
How do I incorporate the pasta into the sauce?
Carefully fold the cooked macaroni into the sauce until every piece is fully coated.
What category of food does this fall under?
It is categorized as comfort food, specifically a cheesy pasta casserole.
Does the recipe use fresh pepper?
Yes, it specifies 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much uncooked pasta is needed?
You will need 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni or penne pasta.
Can I use whole milk instead?
While the recipe suggests 2% or skim, whole milk can be used for an even richer sauce.
Is the cheddar cheese added all at once?
No, it should be added gradually and stirred continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.