This classic comfort food combines tender macaroni with a creamy cheese sauce, topped off with a golden, crispy crust. Follow these steps to create a delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
1 (12 ounce) package of macaroni
2 cups of milk
1 egg
2 ½ cups of shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons of butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
2-quart baking dish
Large pot for boiling macaroni
Whisk
Large bowl
Spoon or spatula for stirring
Instructions:
1. Preparing for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.
- Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent the macaroni and cheese from sticking.
2. Cooking the Macaroni:
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. The salt will season the pasta.
- Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a par-boiled texture where the macaroni is just barely done since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside. This stops the cooking process and ensures your macaroni doesn’t get mushy.
3. Making the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk and 1 egg until fully combined. The egg will help bind the sauce and give it a rich, creamy texture.
- Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and melted butter into the milk mixture. The cheese is the star of the dish, providing that gooey, melty texture, while the butter adds richness and flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the cheese already adds some saltiness, so adjust according to your preference.
4. Assembling the Dish:
- Place the par-boiled macaroni in the prepared baking dish. This forms the base of your dish.
- Pour the milk and cheese mixture over the macaroni, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the mixture within the baking dish, ensuring even distribution of the sauce.
- Press the mixture evenly into the baking dish to create a smooth top, which will help achieve a uniform crust.
5. Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust on top, which indicates a perfect bake. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 30-minute mark.
- Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This rest period allows the cheese sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
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Serving:
Serve the baked macaroni and cheese hot, directly from the oven. It’s perfect as a main dish or a comforting side. Enjoy the creamy interior and crispy, golden top layer that makes this dish a timeless favorite.