Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- Medium-sized pot
- Whisk
- Oven-safe baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium-sized pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour to the pot and whisk until smooth.
5. Gradually add the milk to the pot, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth.
6. Add the salt and black pepper to the pot and whisk until combined.
7. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
8. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until melted.
9. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pot and stir until melted.
10. Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir until coated in the cheese sauce.
11. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish.
12. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 2-3 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 850mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni can be substituted with any other type of pasta.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the macaroni and cheese for a meaty twist.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs for added texture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps.
- For a creamier macaroni and cheese, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and all-purpose flour.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the macaroni and cheese in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the macaroni and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the macaroni and cheese with chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Pair the macaroni and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, add more cheese to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni and cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food History:
Macaroni and cheese has been a popular dish in America since the 1800s.
Flavor Profiles:
This macaroni and cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy, and savory.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the macaroni and cheese as a main dish or as a side dish to your favorite meal.
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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Comforting