Get ready to experience the most mouthwatering, creamy, and indulgent mac and cheese recipe that will instantly transport you to comfort food heaven! Janine's Baked Macaroni Cheese is not just another recipe – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines perfectly cooked pasta, rich and velvety cheese sauce, and a golden, crispy top that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to comfort meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your macaroni and cheese bakes evenly and achieves a nice golden crust.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 2 cups of macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Do not rinse; you want the pasta to retain some starch for the cheese sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/4 cup of flour to the butter and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. It should be a light golden color.
- Gradually pour in 1 cup of milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- If desired, you can sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the cheese sauce set slightly for easier serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Janine's Baked Macaroni Cheese!
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the smoothest, most melty sauce
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy mac and cheese
- Whisk continuously when making the roux to prevent lumps in your cheese sauce
- For extra richness, consider using a blend of cheeses like cheddar and gruyère
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier
- For a crispy top, broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking
- Experiment with add-ins like crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
