Get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with Jackie's Macaroni and Cheese! This irresistible dish is not just your average mac and cheese; it's a creamy, cheesy delight that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. With a golden breadcrumb topping and a velvety cheese sauce, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to comfort food! Read on to discover how to whip up this American classic in just 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- Cheddar cheese
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, flour, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add 4 tablespoons of flour to the pan. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
- Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk while continuing to whisk. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and begins to bubble.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and mix well until all the pasta is evenly coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, measure out all your ingredients before you start cooking. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Perfectly Cooked Macaroni: Make sure to cook the macaroni until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Homemade Cheese Sauce: Don’t rush the roux! Whisking the flour and butter for a couple of minutes is key to achieving a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for added flavor and creaminess.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crunch, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture before sprinkling it on top.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the macaroni and cheese while it bakes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese sauce set and makes serving easier.With these tips, you'll be on your way to creating a mouthwatering mac and cheese that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 363kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
