Macaroni and cheese v –Hey y’all, gather ’round! Today, we’re diving into a comforting classic that warms your soul like a family gathering: Baked Macaroni and Cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of goodness that’ll have your taste buds singing. Let’s get into it and whip up this delicious dish that everyone will love!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Check out this mouthwatering image:
Now, let’s break it down with the ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for that little kick)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for that crispy topping)
Now that you got your ingredients lined up like a solid squad, it’s time to get to the good part! Here’s how to bring this dish to life:
Instructions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let’s get that heat going!
- In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, but don’t overcook it. You want it a little firm since it will bake later. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it until it turns golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. This is gonna be the base for your cheese sauce, y’all!
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth, and bring it to a slight simmer. It will start to thicken up nicely.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt and create that creamy goodness. Season it up with salt, black pepper, and paprika if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Now, fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated in that cheesy magic.
- Pour everything into a greased baking dish and top it with breadcrumbs for that crunchy finish.
- Bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can even let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
And there you have it! A scrumptious, homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese that’s ready to be devoured. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just because you deserve some comfort food! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite, and don’t forget to share the love!