Ultimate Comfort Baked Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the creamy and decadent 'Ultimate Comfort Baked Mac and Cheese,' a heartwarming recipe that has quickly become a favorite in our household. This dish offers a perfect blend of rich flavors and cheesy goodness, making it a must-try for any cheese lover. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying main course paired with a crisp salad or as a delightful side dish, it never fails to please a crowd. Bring a smile to your family’s faces with this luscious baked mac and cheese that's impossibly creamy and irresistibly delicious. Once you try it, you'll want to whip it up for every gathering or family dinner!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
Cheddar cheese soup
2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans (none)
Evaporated milk
2 (12 ounce) cans (none)
Butter
5/8 cup (1 1/4 sticks, cut into pieces)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Shredded cheddar cheese
6 cups (medium or sharp, or a combination)
Dried parsley
to taste (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave the mixture on high for 6-7 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm and smooth. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
4
In a minimum 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1/3 of the cooked macaroni noodles evenly across the bottom.
5
Spoon 1/3 of the cheese sauce over the noodles, ensuring an even coating.
6
Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
7
Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
8
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9
Once out of the oven, allow your baked mac and cheese to cool for about 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley on top for a pop of color and a touch of elegance.
10
Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Ultimate Comfort Baked Mac and Cheese.
What type of pasta should I use for this mac and cheese?
You should use 1 lb of elbow macaroni cooked until al dente.
How many cans of cheddar cheese soup are required?
This recipe requires 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans of cheddar cheese soup.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much shredded cheddar cheese is needed in total?
You will need 6 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, which can be medium, sharp, or a combination.
How long does the mac and cheese need to bake?
Bake the dish for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A minimum 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended.
How much evaporated milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 (12 ounce) cans of evaporated milk.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
Combine the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, butter, salt, and pepper in a microwave-safe bowl.
How do I heat the cheese sauce mixture?
Cover the bowl with vented plastic wrap and microwave on high for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How many layers are used in the assembly process?
The recipe uses three layers of macaroni, cheese sauce, and shredded cheese.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 5/8 cup of butter (1 1/4 sticks) cut into pieces, but doesn't specify salt content beyond the 1 teaspoon of salt added separately.
How long should the dish cool after baking?
Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
What garnish is suggested for this dish?
A pinch of dried parsley can be sprinkled on top for a pop of color and elegance.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a potluck recipe that is sure to please a crowd.
What can I serve with this mac and cheese?
It can be served as a side dish or as a main course paired with a crisp salad.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The 1 1/4 sticks of butter should be cut into pieces.
How much salt and pepper is added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
What should I look for to know the dish is done?
The top should be golden brown and the cheese should be bubbly.
Is the cheese sauce made on the stove?
No, the sauce is prepared in the microwave to melt the butter and warm the mixture.
How do I vent the plastic wrap when microwaving?
Leave a small vent for steam to escape while covering the bowl.
Should the macaroni be fully soft when boiled?
No, the macaroni should be cooked until al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Can I use sharp cheddar cheese?
Yes, you can use medium, sharp, or a combination of both for the 6 cups of shredded cheese.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
While prep involves a microwave, the total baking time is 40-45 minutes, making it a hearty baked meal.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include comfort food, creamy pasta, cheesy dish, and easy family meal.
What texture can I expect from this recipe?
This recipe is described as impossibly creamy, rich, and decadent.
Is there a specific brand of cheese soup recommended?
The recipe does not specify a brand, just 2 (10 3/4 ounce) cans of cheddar cheese soup.
How is the macaroni layered?
Spread 1/3 of the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the sauce, then 1/3 of the shredded cheese, and repeat.
What is the goal of the final layer?
The final layer should be the remaining shredded cheddar cheese to create a golden top.