Decadent Creamy Mac & Cheese Bake
Indulge in this Decadent Creamy Mac & Cheese Bake, a luscious twist on the classic comfort food. Combining the richness of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, this creamy delight is perfect for gatherings and family dinners. The irresistible creamy texture is complemented by a golden breadcrumb topping, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. This dish is easy to prepare and promises to be a hit at any meal. Perfect for cheese lovers and those looking for a comforting dish on a chilly day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
margarine
3 tablespoons (melted)
flour
1 tablespoon (mixed into the melted margarine)
milk
3 cups (added gradually to the roux)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sharp cheddar cheese
16 ounces (shredded)
salt
to taste
breadcrumbs
optional (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13 inch glass casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2
In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Return the macaroni to the large pot and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the margarine. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir to create a roux, cooking it for about a minute until it bubbles but does not brown.
4
Gradually add the milk to the roux, stirring continuously after each addition. Cook the mixture until it begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce. Season the mixture with salt to taste.
6
Remove the skillet from heat and pour the creamy cheese mixture over the cooked macaroni. Gently stir to combine, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.
7
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the pasta mixture and fold gently until the cheese is fully incorporated.
8
Pour the creamy macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of elbow macaroni.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the macaroni and cheese bake?
Bake the dish for 20 minutes or until it is golden and bubbly.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 9x13 inch glass casserole dish is recommended.
How much cheddar cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What makes the sauce extra creamy?
The addition of 8 ounces of cream cheese creates a luscious, decadent texture.
How much milk is needed for the cheese sauce?
You will need 3 cups of milk to create the sauce.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour is mixed with melted margarine to create a roux, which thickens the milk into a sauce.
Should the macaroni be fully cooked before baking?
No, cook the elbow macaroni until it is al dente so it stays firm during the baking process.
Can I add a topping to this mac and cheese?
Yes, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish before baking.
Is it necessary to rinse the pasta?
Yes, rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be used as a direct substitute for the 3 tablespoons of margarine.
How long does it take for the milk mixture to thicken?
It typically takes about 5-7 minutes of continuous stirring for the mixture to thicken.
When should I add the salt?
Salt should be added to taste after the cream cheese has melted into the sauce.
Should the cream cheese be softened before use?
Yes, using softened cream cheese allows it to melt more quickly and smoothly into the sauce.
What type of cheddar cheese is best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended to provide a bold flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, spray the casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the dish, cover it, and bake it when you are ready to serve.
What should I do after the mac and cheese is done baking?
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce set.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients, including the optional breadcrumb topping.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is tagged as a party dish and family favorite, making it perfect for large gatherings.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked, casserole, and decadent.
How do I make the roux?
Melt margarine in a skillet, sprinkle in flour, and stir for about a minute until it bubbles.
What is the texture of this dish?
It features a harmonious blend of a creamy, luscious sauce and an optional crunchy breadcrumb top.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute other small shapes like shells or cavatappi.
How do I incorporate the cheddar cheese?
Fold the shredded cheddar gently into the pasta and cream sauce mixture until fully incorporated.
Is this a stovetop or baked recipe?
This is a baked recipe, though the sauce is prepared on the stovetop first.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese often melts more smoothly into the sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as written, this recipe contains no meat products.
How do I know when the roux is ready?
It should bubble for about a minute but should not be allowed to brown.