Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulge in comfort with this classic Baked Mac and Cheese. A family favorite that takes a nostalgic dish to a whole new level with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines the convenience of a simple preparation with a taste that everyone loves.

Ingredients

🍝 1 to 1.5 pounds of elbow macaroni
🧈 1 stick of butter
🌾 1/3 cup of flour
🥛 1.5 cups of milk
🥛 1 cup of heavy cream
🍗 1 cup of chicken stock
🍗 1/2 tablespoon of chicken bouillon
🧂 Salt and black pepper to taste
🧀 3 cups of cheddar cheese
🧀 2 cups of mozzarella cheese
🧀 Optional extra cheese of choice

Instructions

1- Prep the Macaroni:

• Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 5-6 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken stock until smooth.
• Season with chicken bouillon, salt, and black pepper. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken.

3- Incorporate the Cheese:

• Gradually add in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

4- Combine with Macaroni:

• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is well covered.

5- Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish.
• Top with additional cheese or your choice of extra cheese.
• Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

6- Broil for a Finish:

• For a crispy top, switch the oven to broil on high and allow the top to brown for about 5 minutes.

7- Serve:

• Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy richness that requires no further accompaniment.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving): Proteins: 26g, Fats: 39g, Carbohydrates: 51g
Equipment: Saucepan, whisk, casserole dish

Cooking Tips:

• For a more complex flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations for an interesting twist.

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Classic Baked Mac and Cheese