Delicious Baked Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy baked macaroni and cheese with a rich cheese sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, featuring a cheesy, savory flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook elbows in salted water until tender.
- Drain and set aside in a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In a double boiler, melt butter.
- Add minced onion, dry mustard, salt, and flour to the melted butter.
- Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add milk, stirring often until the mixture is hot.
- Cut processed American cheese into strips and add to the milk, saving about 1/4 cup of cheese for topping.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni.
- Stir to coat all the macaroni with cheese sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or replacing some milk with sour cream. If you're out of American cheese, try using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a different flavor profile. You can also enhance the dish by incorporating cooked vegetables like broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. For added crunch, top with breadcrumbs before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious baked macaroni and cheese with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or your favorite protein. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Aunt Bea'S Sponge Cake And Frosting for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to restore creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Baked Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 867 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2115mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. Adjust the baking time as needed.
What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose, as some may require different cooking times for optimal tenderness.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooked ground beef, chicken, or bacon can be mixed into the macaroni and cheese before baking for a heartier dish. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned to your liking to enhance the overall flavor.
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).