Baked mac and cheese is a total crowd pleaser. This is a great recipe for busy weeknight meals but also for entertaining. Plus it’s so easy! You just boil pasta, mix with grated cheese, a couple tablespoons of flour, and seasonings, put it in a casserole dish, and pour the milk over it. That’s it! No messing with white sauces or tricky steps. No getting four pots and pans dirty!
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 10 mins. Total Time: 25 mins
Ingredients:
1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni
1 pound (16 oz) sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (4 cups)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
2 cups low-fat milk
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray or grease a casserole dish or a 9x13 pan.
2. Cook macaroni as directed on the package in salted water until tender, drain.
3. While macaroni is cooking, combine 2 and 1/2 cups of cheese with flour, pepper, and ground mustard.
4. In a large bowl, combine cheese and flour mixture with hot macaroni and stir to combine. Pour into the greased pan. Pour milk over macaroni. Top with remaining cheese. Dot with butter. Cover with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 45 minutes (taking the foil off after 30 minutes if desired) or until firm and golden brown. You want to make sure there isn’t a lot of runny milk in it still, poke a knife in the middle if necessary. Some will soak in as it cools but it should be mostly absorbed.
6. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to further firm up.
NOTES: Whole wheat elbow macaroni can be substituted. Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for best results.
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