Cheese Macaroni
Creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to perfection with a crunchy cracker topping, ideal for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings craving rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.
- Add 2 tablespoons of flour and cook until smooth.
- Gradually add 2 cups of milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly.
- Add diced cheese when the sauce begins to thicken and melt.
- Boil water, add salt, and cook 1 pound of elbow noodles until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and transfer them to a buttered baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and sprinkle with crushed crackers.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier cheese sauce, consider using a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or gouda alongside extra sharp cheese. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute half of the milk with vegetable broth. Ensure to stir the sauce continuously as it thickens to prevent lumps. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor. You can also incorporate cooked vegetables for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheese Macaroni as a comforting main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad like Grapefruit-Avocado Salad. For a fun twist, try adding cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables to the mix. It pairs beautifully with a light dessert such as Orange-Sliced Cookies to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Macaroni contains roughly 1586 calories, with 10g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 129g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, while elbow noodles are traditional, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it's al dente before mixing it with the cheese sauce.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free elbow pasta and substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for the cheese sauce. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the crackers, are also gluten-free.
What type of cheese works best for mac and cheese?
Extra sharp cheese adds a robust flavor to your mac and cheese, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey jack, or even cream cheese for creaminess. A blend of cheeses can create a more complex flavor profile, so don't hesitate to mix them!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).