Creamy Cheddar Mac & Cheese Bake
Indulge in this Creamy Cheddar Mac & Cheese Bake, a delightful one-dish meal that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. This recipe combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a rich and creamy homemade cheese sauce, topped with extra-sharp cheddar for a deliciously crispy finish. Easy to prepare with just five simple ingredients, this comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or enjoy it as a stand-alone meal. It's cheesy, satisfying, and irresistibly good!
8
Servings
400
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium elbow macaroni
10 ounces (uncooked)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (plus more for brushing pan)
unbleached white flour
2 tablespoons (none)
low-fat milk
2 1/2 cups (none)
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 1/4 cups (grated, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter.
2
In a large pot, cook the medium elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the unbleached white flour, cooking for about 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly.
4
Gradually add the low-fat milk to the saucepan, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook for around 6 minutes or until the sauce thickens noticeably.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
7
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of extra-sharp cheddar cheese on top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is crispy and golden brown. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
36.25g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Cheddar Mac & Cheese Bake.
How many servings does this mac and cheese recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The five main ingredients are medium elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, unbleached white flour, low-fat milk, and extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
What size baking dish should I use?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking dish.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish should bake for 45 minutes.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18.75g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 36.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prepare the elbow macaroni?
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly brush the 9x13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter.
How do I make the flour and butter mixture for the sauce?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and stir in 2 tablespoons of flour for about 1 minute until bubbly.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of low-fat milk.
How do I prevent lumps in the cheese sauce?
Gradually add the milk to the saucepan while whisking continuously.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
It takes around 6 minutes of cooking for the sauce to thicken noticeably.
How much cheese is mixed into the sauce?
Stir 1 1/2 cups of the grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese is used for its flavor and crispy finish.
Can I add seasoning to the cheese sauce?
Yes, you should season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
How is the dish assembled?
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
What goes on top of the macaroni before baking?
Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of extra-sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
What should the finished dish look like?
The top should be crispy and golden brown.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow the mac and cheese to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
What category of meal is this?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It is recommended to serve this with a crisp salad.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a delightful meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Does this recipe include fiber or sugar data?
No, fiber and sugar information is not provided for this recipe.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe calls for unbleached white flour.
Is the butter used salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically requires unsalted butter.
How many total ingredients are listed in the recipe?
The recipe consists of 5 simple ingredients.