Description
Creamy homemade macaroni and cheese delivers comfort through rich cheddar and perfectly cooked pasta. Cheese lovers will savor this hearty classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 4 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsps salted butter
- 2 cans (12 oz/370 ml) evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pasta Cooking: Boil salted water and cook macaroni until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to pot, stirring in butter until noodles are evenly coated.
- Liquid Mixture: Whisk evaporated milk, whole milk, eggs, and garlic salt in a large bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Cheese Preparation: Blend shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in a separate bowl, ensuring uniform distribution.
- Layering: Create three alternating layers in the baking dish, starting with macaroni and topping with cheese mixture. Ensure even coverage with each layer.
- Liquid Infusion: Gently pour milk and egg mixture over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
- Finishing Touch: Sprinkle paprika across the surface for visual appeal and subtle flavor enhancement.
- Baking: Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until top turns golden brown and edges become bubbly with a crisp texture.
- Resting: Remove from oven and let stand 5-10 minutes to allow the dish to set, facilitating easier serving and optimal texture.
Notes
- Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir macaroni occasionally while boiling to ensure even cooking and prevent noodles from sticking together.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Combine cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, creamy texture that melts smoothly and creates a luxurious sauce.
- Layer Strategically: Alternate macaroni and cheese layers evenly to distribute flavor and ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set, making cutting and serving easier while maintaining a perfect creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg