Jack'S Baked Macaroni
Creamy baked macaroni with sharp cheese and savory seasonings, perfect for comfort food lovers and family dinners, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain elbow macaroni.
- Melt butter in a saucepan and blend in flour, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add milk and chopped onion, cook and stir until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add white cheese and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the cooked macaroni in a 9 x 13 inch casserole pan.
- Bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère in addition to the white and sharp cheddar. If you want to add a bit of spice, incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
This baked macaroni is a fantastic main dish, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added flavor, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy topping. It also goes well with sides like garlic bread or roasted asparagus. For dessert, consider serving with Mint Brownie Bites for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the macaroni in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jack'S Baked Macaroni contains roughly 35 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 540mg per serving (23% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture in advance and store it uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just ensure to cover it tightly. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
If you don't have elbow macaroni on hand, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes such as shells, penne, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose, as some may require slightly longer or shorter cooking times.
Can I freeze baked macaroni?
Yes, you can freeze baked macaroni for up to two months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through. This makes for a convenient and comforting meal any day of the week.
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).