Ultra Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ultra Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Bake. This rich and velvety dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a luxurious cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar combined with low-fat evaporated milk. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this macaroni and cheese recipe delivers a delightful experience that is both hearty and satisfying. It's easy to make and will leave your guests raving about its irresistible creaminess!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
8 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
butter
2 teaspoons (melted)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
evaporated low-fat milk
12 ounces (for the cheese sauce)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 ounces (for mixing into the sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni; cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3
In a separate large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbling. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
4
Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble gently.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth, then fold in the cooked macaroni until well combined.
6
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is bubbly.
8
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
21.7g
Carbs
8.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultra Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Bake?
It is a rich and velvety comfort food dish featuring elbow macaroni enveloped in a sharp cheddar and low-fat evaporated milk sauce.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions until al dente.
How many calories are in a serving of this macaroni bake?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
This recipe uses 6 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and creaminess.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The macaroni bake should stay in the oven for 20 to 22 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
What size baking dish is required?
An 8-inch square baking dish lightly coated with nonstick cooking spray is ideal.
What is the secret to the creamy sauce?
The secret is using 12 ounces of evaporated low-fat milk combined with a butter and flour roux.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 8.7 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 21.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prevent lumps in the cheese sauce?
Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while continuously whisking the butter and flour mixture.
Can I use any other type of milk?
The recipe specifically uses evaporated low-fat milk to achieve its signature ultra-creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its hearty and satisfying nature makes it perfect for family dinners and potluck events.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients: macaroni, butter, flour, salt, black pepper, evaporated milk, and cheddar cheese.
What should the consistency of the sauce be before adding cheese?
The sauce should be cooked until it thickens and begins to bubble gently, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
Should the cheese be added while the sauce is on the heat?
No, remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Can I add garnishes to the dish?
Yes, you can garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs after baking.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of butter.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
You will need 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data for fiber is not specified for this particular recipe.
What kind of cheddar is best?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for a bold and flavorful cheese sauce.
Should the macaroni be fully cooked before baking?
It should be cooked to 'al dente' according to package directions so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is straightforward to prepare.
What happens if I don't grease the baking dish?
The macaroni may stick to the sides, so it is recommended to use nonstick cooking spray.
Should I let the dish sit after baking?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes allows the sauce to set slightly before serving.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
The recipe specifies 6 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar; freshly shredded usually melts smoother but pre-shredded works too.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as comfort food, specifically a baked pasta or macaroni and cheese dish.
Is this dish considered heart-healthy?
While it uses low-fat evaporated milk, it is primarily a rich comfort food intended for indulgence.