Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Health score
3%
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
47 min.
8
303kcal

Suggestions


There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a classic baked macaroni and cheese. This beloved dish has been a staple in kitchens for generations, and for good reason! With its creamy, cheesy goodness and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you're serving it as a side dish at a family gathering, a satisfying lunch, or even as the main course, this recipe is sure to please everyone.

Imagine the aroma of extra sharp cheddar cheese melting into a rich, velvety sauce, enveloping each piece of elbow macaroni in a delightful hug of flavor. The combination of freshly ground black pepper and a hint of salt elevates the dish, making every bite a delicious experience. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, taking just 47 minutes from start to finish, which means you can whip it up even on a busy weeknight.

This baked macaroni and cheese is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to childhood, where every spoonful brings back memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. So gather your loved ones, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. Your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • tablespoons butter 
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni cooked
  • 10 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • tablespoons flour all-purpose
  • cups milk 
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • oven
  • whisk
  • baking pan
  • microwave
  • dutch oven

Directions

  1. WHISK FLOUR INTO BUTTER
  2. Preheat oven to 40
  3. Microwave milk at HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.
  4. WHISK IN WARM MILK
  5. Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.
  6. WHISK IN CHEESE
  7. Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, red pepper until smooth; stir in pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish; top with remaining cheese.
  8. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories303kcal
Protein18.23%
Fat51.76%
Carbs30.01%

Properties

Glycemic Index
33.96
Glycemic Load
10.54
Inflammation Score
-4
Nutrition Score
9.1078260929688%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:302.84kcal
15.14%
Fat:17.39g
26.75%
Saturated Fat:9.84g
61.51%
Carbohydrates:22.68g
7.56%
Net Carbohydrates:21.6g
7.85%
Sugar:3.38g
3.75%
Cholesterol:50.28mg
16.76%
Sodium:423.4mg
18.41%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:13.78g
27.55%
Selenium:26.83µg
38.33%
Calcium:331.03mg
33.1%
Phosphorus:259.76mg
25.98%
Vitamin B2:0.26mg
15.43%
Zinc:1.86mg
12.38%
Vitamin B12:0.71µg
11.85%
Vitamin A:541.7IU
10.83%
Manganese:0.21mg
10.48%
Magnesium:27.69mg
6.92%
Vitamin D:0.88µg
5.89%
Vitamin B1:0.07mg
4.72%
Vitamin B6:0.09mg
4.53%
Vitamin B5:0.45mg
4.5%
Fiber:1.09g
4.35%
Potassium:147.44mg
4.21%
Folate:14.96µg
3.74%
Copper:0.07mg
3.63%
Vitamin E:0.41mg
2.76%
Iron:0.44mg
2.42%
Vitamin B3:0.42mg
2.11%
Vitamin K:1.39µg
1.32%