Creamy Boston-Style Macaroni and Cheese
This Creamy Boston-Style Macaroni and Cheese brings the beloved comfort food to your kitchen with a luscious cheese sauce that envelopes tender macaroni shells. Infused with a hint of onion and a touch of mustard, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Once baked to perfection, the top has a golden, bubbling crust while the inside remains creamy and cheesy, ensuring every bite is rich in flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish as a side or a main course that the whole family will adore.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
6 ounces (uncooked)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted, for melting)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1 dash (to taste)
milk
2 cups (whole or 2%)
minced onion
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
American processed cheese
1 cup (cubed (or 1/4 lb.))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced onion and flour, stirring constantly until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
4
Gradually whisk in the milk to the flour mixture, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat and slowly add the cubed American cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
6
Stir in the dry mustard, salt, and a dash of pepper, adjusting seasoning according to your preference.
7
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
8
Lightly grease a casserole dish with butter and pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Boston-Style Macaroni and Cheese?
It is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender macaroni shells enveloped in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce with hints of onion and mustard, baked to a golden crust.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of uncooked macaroni shells.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the dish.
What type of cheese is required for the best results?
This recipe specifically uses 1 cup (or 1/4 lb.) of cubed American processed cheese for a smooth, creamy texture.
How long does it take to bake this macaroni and cheese?
The dish should be baked for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
What ingredients are used for the sauce base?
The sauce starts with a roux made from 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon finely chopped minced onion, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
How much milk should I use?
You will need 2 cups of milk, which can be either whole or 2% variety.
Is the onion cooked before adding the milk?
Yes, the minced onion is sautéed with the butter and flour for about 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly.
What seasonings provide the distinct flavor in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and a dash of black pepper.
Should the macaroni be cooked before baking?
Yes, you must cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and drain it before mixing it with the cheese sauce.
How do I ensure the sauce has no lumps?
Gradually whisk the milk into the flour and butter mixture, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this Boston-Style Macaroni and Cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Absolutely, this rich and filling dish can be enjoyed as either a side or a primary main course.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease a casserole dish with butter before pouring in the macaroni and cheese mixture.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
The sauce is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes of stirring.
When is the American cheese added to the mixture?
Add the cubed American cheese after the sauce has thickened, reducing the heat and stirring until the cheese is completely melted.
What is the texture of the top of the dish after baking?
Once baked, the dish features a golden, bubbling crust while the interior remains creamy and cheesy.
Can I adjust the amount of salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe encourages adjusting the salt and pepper seasoning according to your personal preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total: macaroni, butter, flour, dry mustard, salt, pepper, milk, onion, and American cheese.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the sauce to set.
Does this recipe use a roux?
Yes, it uses a roux made of melted butter and flour to thicken the milk into a creamy sauce.
What is the purpose of the dry mustard in the recipe?
A touch of dry mustard is added to provide a subtle depth of flavor that complements the American cheese.
Is the butter used for the sauce salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of unsalted butter for the melting process.
How should the American cheese be prepared?
The American cheese should be cubed (approximately 1/4 lb.) to help it melt evenly into the sauce.
What is the consistency of the minced onion?
The onion should be finely chopped to ensure it blends well into the sauce base.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is used to create the thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
Can I use any milk I have on hand?
The recipe works best with whole or 2% milk to maintain the desired creaminess.
What does 'dash' of pepper mean?
A dash is a very small amount, typically about 1/8 of a teaspoon or a quick shake of the pepper shaker.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as a beloved comfort food perfect for cozy nights or gatherings.
Is this recipe similar to Boston Market's macaroni and cheese?
Yes, one of the tags indicates it is inspired by the Boston Market style of macaroni and cheese.