Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Posted by Samantha / 4 comments » / Main Dish, Recipes, Vegetarian

What is better than right-out-of-the-oven melt-y macaroni and cheese with the crunchy bread crumbs on top, all toasted up to perfection? Not much, I’d wager.

Comfort food at its finest, folks! So warm, cheesy and absolutely delish! With the already snowy weather we’ve  had on the east coast, I for one needed some mac and cheese to get me through the October winter nights (I believe this was unheard of since 1952?)

This was even good before being baked. I may have eaten a few fork full’s of the newly coated noodles while putting them into the baking dish. It was similar to a grown up version of the Kraft mac and cheese “blue box.” The dry mustard makes this dish, don’t omit it. Last time I made it I didn’t have any dry mustard and it was good, but the difference is amazing! Use it! You’re welcome.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

ingredients

  • 4 cups Dried Macaroni
  • 1 whole Egg Beaten
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 Stick Or 4 Tablespoons) Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
  • 2-1/2 cups Whole Milk
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons (heaping) Dry Mustard, More If Desired
  • 1 pound Cheese, Grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt, More To Taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • Optional Spices: Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Thyme

directions:

  1. Cook macaroni until very firm. Macaroni should be too firm to eat right out of the pot. Drain.
  2. In a small bowl, beat egg.
  3. In a large pot, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook mixture for five minutes, whisking constantly. Don’t let it burn.
  4. Pour in milk, add mustard, and whisk until smooth. Cook for five minutes until very thick. Reduce heat to low.
  5. Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking eggs. Whisk together till smooth.
  6. Pour egg mixture into sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth.
  7. Add in cheese and stir to melt.
  8. Add salt and pepper. Taste sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed! DO NOT UNDERSALT.
  9. Pour in drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
  10. Serve immediately (very creamy) or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese, breadcrumbs (optional) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Adapted from Pioneer Woman

Posted by Samantha on November 1, 2011
4 Comments »
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4 Responses to “Baked Macaroni and Cheese”

  1. 1

    Jessica / Green Skies and Sugar Trips — November 1, 2011 @ 8:59 am

    Ooooooh, I LOVE Mac and Cheese, hell I have a whole pinterest board devoted to it!!!! This looks easy and delicious!!!! Now I want some!!!!!!

    • Samantha replied: — November 1st, 2011 @ 9:07 am

      Mac and cheese deserves its very own pinterest board! So yummy.

  2. 2

    Travis Austin — November 1, 2011 @ 6:01 pm

    Looks Delicious! I’ll have to try the recipe soon!

  3. 3

    Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen — November 26, 2011 @ 6:11 pm

    Nothing a better treat than warm mac n cheese.

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