Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Macaroni
This Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Macaroni takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level. Combining sharp and extra-sharp cheddar cheeses ensures a bold flavor profile, while a creamy sauce created from a perfect blend of half-and-half and milk makes every bite irresistibly luscious. The jumbo pasta shells not only hold the sauce beautifully but add an extra touch of whimsy and texture. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish is topped with an extra layer of melted cheese for that gooey finish. Indulge in a plate of this cheesy goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
sharp cheddar cheese
12 ounces (grated)
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (grated)
jumbo pasta shells
1 (16 ounce) box (cooked according to package instructions)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
half-and-half cream
2 cups (none)
milk
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter, stirring frequently.
3
Once melted, slowly whisk in the flour until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture, cooking for about 2 minutes.
4
Add the salt, pepper, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot, whisking until fully incorporated.
5
Gradually pour in the half-and-half and milk, continuing to whisk to avoid any lumps forming.
6
Keep whisking and cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
7
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
8
Follow with the extra-sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
9
Remove from heat and combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta in a 13x9 inch casserole dish, folding gently to coat all the shells.
10
Sprinkle an additional layer of grated cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
12
Let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce box of jumbo pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions.
What types of cheese are used to make the sauce?
The recipe uses a combination of 12 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese and 8 ounces of extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How much butter is required for the roux?
You will need 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
The first step is melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then whisking in the flour for about 2 minutes.
What spices and seasonings are included?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
What liquids create the creamy base for the macaroni?
The creamy base is made by gradually pouring in 2 cups of half-and-half cream and 2 cups of milk.
How long should the sauce cook before adding cheese?
You should whisk and cook the liquid mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
When do I add the sharp cheddar cheese?
Reduce the heat to low once the sauce has thickened, then slowly stir in the sharp cheddar until melted.
When is the extra-sharp cheddar added?
The extra-sharp cheddar is stirred in after the sharp cheddar has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
What size baking dish should be used?
A 13x9 inch casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to save any cheese for the top?
Yes, the instructions suggest sprinkling an additional layer of grated cheese over the top before baking for an extra cheesy finish.
How long does the macaroni bake in the oven?
The dish should bake for 25-30 minutes.
How can I tell when the baked macaroni is finished?
It is ready when the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Why should I let the dish cool before serving?
Letting it cool for a few minutes allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
How much flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
How much milk is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 cups of milk.
How much half-and-half is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 cups of half-and-half cream.
What kind of pasta shape is recommended?
Jumbo pasta shells are recommended as they hold the sauce beautifully and add texture.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
While the recipe specifies grated cheese, it is generally recommended to grate your own for better melting, though pre-grated can be used.
What is the total amount of cheddar cheese used in the sauce?
A total of 20 ounces of cheddar cheese is used within the sauce itself (12oz sharp and 8oz extra-sharp).
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, the description highlights it as perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
How is the pasta incorporated with the sauce?
The cooked pasta shells are gently folded into the cheese sauce in the casserole dish until fully coated.
Should the heat be high when adding cheese?
No, the heat should be reduced to low before stirring in the cheeses to ensure a smooth, well-combined sauce.
Is the butter melted before adding the flour?
Yes, the butter is melted over medium heat before the flour is slowly whisked in.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Macaroni.
What makes the flavor profile bold?
The combination of sharp and extra-sharp cheddar cheeses ensures a bold and rich flavor profile.
What is the primary texture of the dish?
The dish is designed to be irresistibly luscious and creamy with a gooey melted cheese finish.