Sides, Appetizers, MealsTatiana StanajComment

Macaroni and Cheese

Sides, Appetizers, MealsTatiana StanajComment
Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, oh so delicious Mac N Cheese. Let me tell you, I have tried MULTIPLE recipes. Some were too dry, some were not cheesy enough and others tasted too heavy. I think I finally nailed the perfect recipe that is a great side dish with any meal, or honestly just a meal itself!

Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients:

1 box pasta noodles (I use the 1lb box of macaroni noodles)

For Topping:

1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

For Macaroni:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup Gouda cheese, shredded

3/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

3/4 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

5 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 tablespoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Butter your casserole dish, or dishes, and set aside.

  2. In a bowl for the topping mixture, toss together the mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. Set aside.

  3. In a bowl, toss all of the shredded cheeses together. Reserve about 3/4 cup of the mixed shredded cheeses for the layering that’ll be done later on. Set aside

  4. In a medium pot over medium heat, add in the butter and melt. Once melted, add in the flour and mix together. Cook through for about one minute. Pour in the milk 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously in between additions.

  5. Cook until it thickens up and bubbles, about 5 minutes. Give it a good whisk and make sure to get all the corners of the pan and any floury bits mixed in. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

  6. Turn off the heat and whisk in the paprika, salt and pepper. Add in the shredded cheeses and mix them until they’re melted. Cover the pot with a lid and set aside.

  7. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente. Be sure not to over cook because it’ll soften up a bit more in the oven with the cheese sauce.

  8. Drain the pasta and be sure to shake off the excess water. Add the pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce. Mix until combined.

  9. Add half of the pasta into the baking dish(es). Sprinkle one layer of cheese. Add the remaining pasta on top into an even later. Top it with the reserved topping mixture and any remaining cheese.

  10. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Until the macaroni and cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.