Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Delight. Unlike boxed versions, this homemade dish features a mouthwatering blend of rich cheddar and gooey mozzarella, enveloped in a creamy, velvety milk sauce. It's a simple and effortless bake that frees you from constant stirring on the stovetop, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully in the oven. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, this dish serves as a hearty meal or an impressive side. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners, this macaroni and cheese is sure to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni
2 cups (uncooked)
Butter or Margarine
1/2 cup (cut into small pieces)
Cheddar Cheese
12 ounces (shredded)
Mozzarella Cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
Milk
5 cups (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked elbow macaroni, butter (cut into small pieces), and both shredded cheeses, mixing until well combined.
3
Spread the macaroni mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
4
Carefully pour the milk over the macaroni and cheese layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring slightly to incorporate without disturbing the layers too much.
6
Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
7
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade baked macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
31g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to boil the macaroni before baking?
No, this recipe uses two cups of uncooked elbow macaroni which cook directly in the milk while in the oven.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake this macaroni and cheese?
It takes approximately 1 hour of baking time uncovered until the top is golden brown.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 12 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much milk is required?
You will need 5 cups of milk to ensure the uncooked macaroni becomes tender and creamy.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
Is there a lot of protein in this dish?
Yes, it contains 19g of protein per serving.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of butter or margarine, cut into small pieces.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, it should be baked uncovered so the top can become golden brown and bubbly.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either butter or margarine depending on your preference.
What is the fat content of this macaroni and cheese?
There are 19g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
This dish contains 31g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: macaroni, butter, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
How should I prepare the butter?
The butter should be cut into small pieces before being mixed with the macaroni.
Should I stir the mixture after adding the milk?
You should stir slightly to incorporate salt and pepper but avoid disturbing the layers too much.
How do I know when the macaroni and cheese is finished cooking?
It is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, typically after one hour.
Can I serve this immediately after taking it out of the oven?
It is best to let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce set.
What makes this different from boxed macaroni and cheese?
This homemade version features a blend of real cheddar and mozzarella with a velvety milk sauce, baked together for better flavor melding.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Yes, its large yield and easy baking process make it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
How much mozzarella is used?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much cheddar is used?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as a simple and effortless bake that doesn't require constant stovetop stirring.
What is the primary pasta type used?
The primary pasta used is elbow macaroni.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should use a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Add salt and pepper to taste after pouring the milk over the macaroni and cheese mixture.
Can this be a main course?
Yes, it can serve as a hearty meal or an impressive side dish.
How do you combine the ingredients initially?
Combine the uncooked macaroni, butter pieces, and both cheeses in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as creamy and velvety.
Is the cheese shredded or in blocks?
Both the cheddar and mozzarella should be shredded for this recipe.