Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz (227g) elbow macaroni
- 3 cups (709ml) whole milk
- 4 oz (113g) white cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
- 2 oz (57g) parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup (12g) fresh herbs (e.g., chopped basil or oregano)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and stir until well combined, cooking for about 2-3 minutes. This is called making a roux.
- Pour in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture is thick and smooth. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted into the sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into an oven-safe baking dish and top with the grated parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs of choice.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 450 calories per serving (based on standard nutrition facts)
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 16g
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich texture due to the combination of cheeses and roux-based sauce.
- American-style comfort food that is both hearty and kid-friendly.
- Versatile dish that can be customized with different herbs and seasoning variations.
User Comments:
- "This is the best mac and cheese I have ever had! The creaminess was spot on." - John Doe
- "Love how creamy and flavorful this dish is. The parmesan topping adds a nice crunch." - Jane Smith
- "Great dish for a family gathering. Everyone loved it!" - Mary Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni to the desired tenderness, but not too soft or it will become mushy in the cheese sauce.
- For a smoother sauce, pass the cheese sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Adjust seasoningings like salt and pepper according to your preference or that of your family/guests.
