Ultimate Creamy Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe, inspired by a classic Southern Living dish from 1993. Each bite offers a delightful combination of melted cheddar cheese and a luscious sour cream-mayo blend that creates a decadently smooth texture. Perfect for gatherings, this dish serves up to 15 hungry diners. For an extra crunch, sprinkle crushed cheese crackers on top before baking—though you can easily skip this step if you prefer a creamier finish. Make it a star at your next lunch or casual snack!
15
Servings
240
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
2 quarts (For boiling)
cheddar cheese
16 ounces (shredded)
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (dry)
sour cream
8 ounces (none)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
cheese crackers
1 cup (crushed)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, bring 2 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil.
2
Add the 8 ounces of dry elbow macaroni, stirring frequently, and return to a rapid boil.
3
Cook the macaroni for 8 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain again thoroughly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with 16 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, 8 ounces of sour cream, and 1 cup of mayonnaise. Mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
6
Lightly grease an 11" x 7" x 1 1/2" baking dish and spoon the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
If using, sprinkle 1 cup of crushed cheese crackers over the top for added crunch.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
16g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this mac and cheese recipe?
This recipe is titled the Ultimate Creamy Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This dish serves up to 15 people.
What is the primary cheese used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
What makes this macaroni and cheese particularly creamy?
The creamy texture comes from a luscious blend of 8 ounces of sour cream and 1 cup of mayonnaise mixed with the cheese.
What kind of pasta is used?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of dry elbow macaroni.
What is the recommended topping for extra crunch?
You can sprinkle 1 cup of crushed cheese crackers on top before baking for added crunch.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 165 degrees Celsius.
How long does the macaroni and cheese need to bake?
It should be baked for 30 to 35 minutes until it is bubbly and golden brown.
Should the pasta be rinsed after boiling?
Yes, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use an 11 inch by 7 inch by 1.5 inch baking dish.
Is this a Southern-inspired dish?
Yes, it is inspired by a classic Southern Living dish from 1993.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 240 calories per serving.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of carbohydrates.
How much sour cream is required?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of sour cream.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of mayonnaise.
How much water is needed to boil the macaroni?
You will need 2 quarts of water.
How much salt should be added to the boiling water?
Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water.
How long should the elbow macaroni boil?
Cook the macaroni for 8 to 10 minutes until tender but still slightly firm.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should lightly grease the baking dish before adding the macaroni mixture.
Can I skip the cheese cracker topping?
Yes, you can skip the crackers if you prefer a smoother, creamier finish.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
According to the nutritional data provided, there is no fiber in this recipe.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Suggested tags include macaroni and cheese, cheddar, creamy, comfort food, southern, and pasta.
How do you know when the dish is finished baking?
The mixture should be bubbly and the top should be golden brown.
Should the dish be served immediately after baking?
It is recommended to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Is this dish suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, with 15 servings, it is perfect for gatherings and parties.
What is the preparation for the cheese crackers?
The cheese crackers should be crushed before being sprinkled on top.