Baked Mac and Cheese for One

Ingredients and Weight:

• Macaroni pasta: 50g (cooked weight)
• Cheddar cheese: 100g (grated)
• Cream cheese: 50g (softened)
• Milk: 1 cup (240ml)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Breadcrumbs: 2 tablespoons (for topping)
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Optional ingredients: bacon bits, chopped green onions, hot sauce

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta until tender, then drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
4. Pour in the milk and continue stirring until well combined.
5. Add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted into the mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and add any optional ingredients you like.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir well to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and top with breadcrumbs.
9. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve.

Nutritional Information: (Based on estimated values)

• Calories: Approx. 600 calories (depending on additions)
• Fat: Approx. 40g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
• Protein: Approx. 25g

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish is a classic American comfort food with a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
• The dish can be customized with various additions such as bacon bits and hot sauce for a more savory flavor.
• The breadcrumbs on top provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

User Comments:

1. "This is an excellent dish for a personal-sized meal. The macaroni is cooked perfectly, and the cheese sauce is so creamy and delicious."
2. "I added some hot sauce and chopped green onions for a kick of flavor. It was a great combination!"
3. "This is a great dish to make for one person. It's filling and satisfying, and the leftovers are great too!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use full-fat milk and cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the bacon bits and add more vegetables like bell peppers or olives instead.