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Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese: Ultimate Comfort Food with a Twist

Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy cheese sauce and a golden crust.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter adds richness and depth to the sauce
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour helps thicken the cheese sauce
  • 5.5 cups milk the base for a luscious cheese sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt enhances the flavor
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg adds an aromatic note
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper lends a slight kick
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper offers subtle heat
For the Cheese
  • 4.5 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese provides classic flavor
  • 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese adds creaminess
  • 1.25 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese adds sharper taste
For the Pasta
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni the ultimate pasta choice
For the Topping
  • 6 slices white bread torn into pieces
  • melted butter for tossing with the bread

Equipment

  • 3-quart casserole dish
  • Medium bowl
  • medium saucepan
  • Large pot

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 3-quart casserole dish with butter.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss torn bread pieces with melted butter until coated.
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until heated through, but not boiling.
  4. In another saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add warmed milk and thicken for about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to add flavor.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and return to pot. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and mix until coated.
  8. Transfer pasta to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Top with the breadcrumb mixture.
  9. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.

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