Monday, December 3, 2012

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Miz Helen’s Country Cottage




If you want to really make my kids happy all you have to do is serve up some good ol' mac n' cheese.  I seriously do not know a single person who doesn't like mac n' cheese...well one, my dad, but in all fairness he doesn't like the boxed powder cheese stuff.  Homemade though is always good.  So I guess I should say I do not know a single person who dislikes homemade mac n' cheese.  Seriously...what's not to like?!?  Yummy noodles smothered in warm, melty, cheesy goodness.  

OK now I am drooling.  Before I short out my keyboard lets get to the recipe!


Look at all the cheesy goodness!



Yes it tastes as good as it looks!


Baked Macaroni and Cheese
16 oz elbow macaroni
1 stick unsalted butter, 1/2 cup
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 pinch nutmeg
1 TBS worcestershire sauce
4 cups milk
4 cups shredded cheese (any combination you like...sharp cheddar, gouda, swiss, parmesan, the possibilities are endless!) I used 1 cup swiss, 1 cup sharp cheddar, and 2 cups colby jack this time
1 sleeve of ritz crackers, crushed
1 TBS melted butter

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente
  • In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat
  • Whisk in flour, onion powder, worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, ground mustard, pepper, salt, and nutmeg cooking while stirring for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the flour flavor
  • Gradually whisk in milk stirring constantly until mixture thickens and begins to boil
  • Add cheese and stir until melted (I add 1 cup at a time to make sure it melts evenly without any lumps)
  • Add cooked pasta and stir to coat
  • Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish
  • In a small bowl mix together crushed ritz crackers and melted butter until crackers are moistened
  • Sprinkle over top of the macaroni and cheese mixture
  • Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly
This dish is truly heaven!  So gooey and delicious!  It's a definite crowd pleaser :)  I didn't have much for leftovers, but what I did have I stirred in some chili for chili mac lunches tomorrow.  I am sure that will be just as yummy!

Below is the nutritional value per serving.  This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.  It is a bit of a calorie bomb, but that's ok once in a while.  And you could make it healthier.  However, this is mac n' cheese!  It needs to be rich and creamy, but that's just my personal opinion ;)

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 288 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories
729
Calories from Fat
338
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
37.5g
58%
Saturated Fat
20.1g
101%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Cholesterol
81mg
27%
Sodium
720mg
30%
Total Carbohydrates
75.2g
25%
Dietary Fiber
2.1g
8%
Sugars
10.2g
Protein
22.1g
Vitamin A 21%Vitamin C 1%
Calcium 51%Iron 17%
Nutrition Grade B-
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Bad points


Linked to:

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20 comments:

  1. Ohhhh, nothing better than macaroni and cheese! And this recipe sounds superb!!

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    Replies
    1. I agree! Mac and cheese is still one of my favorites and probably always will be :)

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  2. Oh seriously yummy! The kids in the Kitchen linky is open :) pinning your mac -n- cheese!

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  3. Well this certainly looks like a home run! Creamy, cheesy with a buttery topping. Geez, that close-up shot is going to stick in my brain all night.
    Thank you for linking!

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  4. Oh wow! Love that you used Ritz crackers on top. So buttery and so yummy looking!

    Thanks for sharing at Mealtime Monday!

    Kaylee
    www.couponingncooking.com

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    Replies
    1. I think Ritz make the difference in the topping. I am such a Ritz addict though so of course I would think that ;)

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  5. I have never tried making baked macaroni but this looks delicious. I am pinning it to try :)

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    Replies
    1. It is so worth it! I love baked macaroni and cheese :) But I am kind of a noodle and cheese freak ;) Thanks for sharing and I hope you love it!

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  6. Yum! I want to try this..I am guilty of making the kids Mac N Cheese for Dinner and then eating it too! Tiffany.

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    Replies
    1. I don't blame you! I love mac and cheese. I me where can you possibly go wrong ;) I hope you give it a try soon!

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  7. yummm my fave! i've never added nutmeg before - great idea!

    You may have heard, but we are giving away a SIlhouette Cameo along with free ad space every week at our link party. Would love if you stopped by! http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/giveaway-and-the-humble-brag-link-party-10/

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  8. Mac N Cheese is one of my favorites and I really like the addition of the cayenne to your recipe. Hope you have a great week and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  9. This simply sounds and looks amazingly delicious!
    Thank you so much for sharing this at Wednesday Extravaganza - Hope to see you there again tomorrow with more deliciousness :)

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  10. Congratulations!
    Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you are having a great week and enjoy you new Red Plate.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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What do you think? I'd love to hear from you!