Get ready to experience the most mouth-watering, creamy, and irresistible mac and cheese that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another ordinary pasta dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a golden, bubbling sensation that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for the perfect family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, our Baked Pasta and Cheese Supreme is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the oven is hot enough to bake the pasta and cheese evenly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Stir until the cheese is well coated with the milk, creating a creamy mixture.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese and milk mixture. Stir gently to combine, making sure the macaroni is evenly coated with the cheese.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs. This will create a crunchy topping for your baked pasta.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese. This will give it a delicious golden crust when baked.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set a little.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your Baked Pasta and Cheese Supreme with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: While cheddar is classic, don't be afraid to mix cheeses. Try combining sharp cheddar with some creamy mozzarella or a touch of parmesan for extra flavor depth.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercook it when boiling to prevent mushy results.
- Breadcrumb Perfection: For an extra crispy topping, try adding some grated parmesan to your breadcrumb mixture or mix in some dried herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Prevent Dryness: If you're worried about the dish being too dry, add a splash of heavy cream to your milk and cheese mixture for extra creaminess.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 410kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 74mg
