Macaroni and Cheese III

Ingredients and Weight:

• Macaroni - 400 grams
• Cheddar Cheese - 200 grams (shredded)
• Cream Cheese - 100 grams
• Butter - 50 grams
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (ground)
• Milk - 2 cups
• Breadcrumbs - 50 grams (optional topping)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni for about 8-10 minutes, until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
4. Add the shredded cheese and cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined.
5. Pour the milk into the cheese mixture and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Stir in the cooked macaroni, ensuring that it is coated evenly with the cheese sauce.
7. Transfer the macaroni mixture into a baking dish.
8. If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni.
9. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

(Based on standard US nutritional information; actual values may vary depending on specific ingredients used):

• Calories: approximately 575 calories per serving (assuming 8 equal parts)
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Protein: 22g (Please note that these values are estimates and may vary slightly based on specific brands of ingredients.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and creamy cheese sauce blends perfectly with cooked macaroni.
• Topped with golden brown breadcrumbs, giving it a crunchy texture contrast to the soft macaroni and creamy cheese.
• A classic American-style dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

User Comments:

1. "This is an excellent recipe for macaroni and cheese! The cheese sauce is so creamy and delicious."
2. "I love how easy this recipe is to make, yet it tastes like a dish from a fine restaurant."
3. "The breadcrumbs on top add a nice crunch to this dish."
4. "This is a great dish for a family meal or even for a small gathering."
5. "The flavor combination is outstanding! Definitely a keeper."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure that all ingredients are fresh and of good quality to enhance flavor and texture.
• Use full-fat milk and full-fat cheeses for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste, ensuring it is salty enough to complement the cheese flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, use vegetable-based butter and cream cheese instead of dairy products.