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Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Pasta shells with a creamy cheese sauce are baked in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
  • 1/2 cup gouda, shredded
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups pasta shells, medium size
  • 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 13 Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta in salted boiling water as directed on the package. Medium shells cook for about 10-12 minutes to become al dente or still a bit firm. Macaroni takes between 8-10 minutes. Do not cook it until tender. You want it to still be a bit underdone. Drain and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan or skillet on medium heat. Add the flour and combine thoroughly. Add the milk and stir with a whisk to break up the lumps. Sauce will thicken within 5-8 minutes.
  • Add the cheese, salt and pepper and stir until smooth and creamy. Add the pasta to the sauce and mix well.
  • Pour all into a 2-quart baking dish or a 9x9 baking pan.
  • Mix the topping ingredients in a bowl and sprinkle bread crumb mixture on top of the macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve the pasta and cheese as the main course with a salad or alongside chicken or pork as a hearty side dish.
    Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 21gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 86mgSodium: 772mgPotassium: 314mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 863IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 434mgIron: 1mg