Ultimate Crusty Mac & Cheese Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ultimate Crusty Mac & Cheese Delight recipe. Featuring a rich blend of extra-sharp cheddar and American cheese, this dish boasts a beautifully baked, golden crust that adds a satisfying crunch to the creamy mac and cheese filling. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe ensures your mac and cheese stands out. With simple preparation steps, you can create a dish that not only pleases the palate but also offers a heartwarming experience that will bring everyone together.
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted and divided)
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese
12 ounces (coarsely grated)
American cheese or additional cheddar cheese
12 ounces (coarsely grated)
Elbow macaroni
1 lb (boiled in salted water until just tender, drained and rinsed under cold water)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
Salt
to taste
Whole milk
2/3 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a small saucepan, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Use it to generously grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, ensuring easy removal later.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar and American cheese, mixing thoroughly. Reserve two heaping cups of this cheese blend to use as a topping later.
4
Gently fold in the boiled elbow macaroni into the cheese mixture. Sprinkle in the cayenne pepper for an optional kick, and add salt to taste. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
5
Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Carefully drizzle the whole milk over the top of the mixture, allowing it to seep in.
6
Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni, and dot the surface with small pieces of the remaining two tablespoons of butter for added richness.
7
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
8
After 45 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and crusty.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
18g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Ultimate Crusty Mac & Cheese Delight.
What are the primary cheeses used in this dish?
The dish uses a blend of 12 ounces of extra-sharp cheddar cheese and 12 ounces of American cheese.
How much macaroni is needed?
You need 1 pound of elbow macaroni.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How much butter is required for the entire recipe?
A total of 3 tablespoons of butter is used, divided between greasing and topping.
What size baking dish should be used?
A 9-by-13-inch baking dish is recommended.
How should the macaroni be prepared before mixing?
It should be boiled in salted water until just tender, then drained and rinsed under cold water.
Is there any spice added to the Mac & Cheese?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is added for an optional kick.
How much milk is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of whole milk.
How much cheese should be reserved for the topping?
You should reserve two heaping cups of the cheese blend to use as a topping.
How long is the initial baking period?
The dish is baked uncovered for 45 minutes at 375°F.
What is the final baking temperature?
The temperature is increased to 400°F (200°C) for the final stage.
How long do you bake the dish at the higher temperature?
Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
Can I substitute the American cheese?
Yes, you can use additional cheddar cheese instead of American cheese.
How is the milk added to the dish?
The whole milk is carefully drizzled over the top of the pasta and cheese mixture.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 267 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 15g per serving.
How much protein is in this Mac & Cheese?
There are 12g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
The carbohydrate count is 18g per serving.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in this recipe.
What gives the dish its crusty top?
The reserved cheese topping and small pieces of butter, combined with high-heat baking, create the crust.
Is the baking dish covered or uncovered?
The dish is baked uncovered.
How should the cheese be prepared?
The cheese should be coarsely grated.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It has a creamy interior with a golden, crunchy crust.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Yes, salt is added to taste.
When do you add the reserved cheese?
The reserved cheese is sprinkled over the top after the milk has been drizzled on.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include macaroni and cheese, comfort food, and baked pasta.
What type of milk is used?
The recipe specifies whole milk.
What should I do with the butter at the very end of prep?
Dot the surface with small pieces of the remaining butter for added richness.
What is the description of the flavor profile?
It is described as a rich, heartwarming comfort food with an extra-sharp cheddar flavor and satisfying crunch.