Craving the ultimate comfort food that'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds? Get ready to revolutionize your mac and cheese game with this "Almost Homemade Baked Mac Cheese" that's so delicious, you'll want to throw away those boxed mixes forever! This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table in just 40 minutes. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves mind-blowing comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Whisk in the milk, sour cream, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sour cream will add a tangy richness to the sauce.
- Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander, shaking off excess water. Return the pasta to the pot and pour the prepared sauce over it.
- Gently fold in 1½ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese begins to melt and coat the pasta evenly.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top for a golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden brown, and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of additional paprika or fresh chopped parsley for extra flavor and color.
Tips
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor - the more aged, the better the taste!
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Whisk the sauce thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- For extra crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- Experiment with cheese combinations - try adding a bit of parmesan or gruyere for depth of flavor.
- If the top isn't browning enough, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 648kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 41g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 133mg
