Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese Bake
This Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese Bake is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that first came into fruition in the summer of 2003. With eight children running around, I needed a budget-friendly and filling dish to satisfy their hunger. This baked mac and cheese boasts a rich, creamy texture thanks to a velvety cheese sauce, layered with perfectly al dente pasta. The luxurious topping of buttery breadcrumbs is not only delicious but ensures the casserole stays moist while preventing a crust from forming. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish has some fond memories attached to it, making it a cherished recipe in our household.
8
Servings
330
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or margarine, melted
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Flour
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Dried parsley
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Milk
3 cups (N/A)
Pasta
2/3 lb (Cooked al dente, drained, and rinsed)
Yellow cheese (cheddar is recommended)
1 lb (Shredded)
Margarine or butter, melted
1/2 cup (Melted)
Soft breadcrumbs
2 cups (N/A)
Sweet paprika
To taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
3
In a non-stick saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine. Once melted, add flour, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
4
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and has thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
5
In a greased 2 to 2 1/2 quart baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by 3/4 pound of the shredded yellow cheese, and then half of the white sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining pasta, the rest of the white sauce, and the final 1/4 pound of cheese on top.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the ½ cup of melted margarine with the soft breadcrumbs until well coated. Evenly spread this mixture over the layered casserole.
7
Lightly sprinkle with sweet paprika to add flavor and color.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is bubbly.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
38g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese Bake?
It is a budget-friendly, comforting baked pasta dish featuring a velvety cheese sauce and a buttery breadcrumb topping.
When was this recipe first created?
The recipe first came into fruition in the summer of 2003.
How many children was this recipe originally designed to feed?
The recipe was developed to satisfy the hunger of eight children.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
You should preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much pasta is required for this recipe?
You will need 2/3 lb of pasta, cooked al dente.
What type of cheese is recommended for the best flavor?
Yellow cheddar cheese is recommended for this recipe.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of shredded yellow cheese.
How long does the Ultimate Creamy Mac & Cheese Bake take to bake?
It should bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What ingredients are used to make the white sauce base?
The sauce is made from 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine, flour, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and milk.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 330 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 13g of fat in each serving.
How much protein does a serving of this mac and cheese provide?
Each serving provides 13g of protein.
How much carbohydrate content is in a serving?
There are 38g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size baking dish is needed?
Use a greased 2 to 2 1/2 quart baking dish.
How should I layer the ingredients in the baking dish?
Layer half the pasta, 3/4 lb of cheese, and half the white sauce, then repeat the layers.
What prevents a hard crust from forming on top?
The luxurious topping of buttery breadcrumbs ensures the casserole stays moist and prevents a crust from forming.
How do I make the breadcrumb topping?
Combine 1/2 cup of melted margarine with 2 cups of soft breadcrumbs until well coated.
Why is sweet paprika used in the recipe?
Sweet paprika is sprinkled on top to add both flavor and color.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine for both the sauce and the topping.
What kind of parsley should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
How much milk is required for the cheese sauce?
You will need 3 cups of milk for the sauce.
Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as kid-friendly and was originally created for a large family.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients in this recipe.
Is the recipe easy to make on a budget?
Yes, the description specifically highlights it as a budget-friendly dish.
What should the consistency of the white sauce be?
The mixture should be whisked until it is smooth and has thickened slightly.
What are some recommended occasions for this dish?
It is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
How much salt and pepper are used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
How much of the cheese goes on the very top of the casserole?
The final 1/4 pound of cheese is sprinkled on top after the second layer of white sauce.