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Best Easy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Name: Best Easy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 230 g
Ingredients: elbow macaroni 12 oz; sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 3 cups; whole milk 2 cups; eggs 2 pieces; unsalted butter 4 tbsp; salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; mustard powder 0.5 tsp; paprika 0.5 tsp

Baked Southern macaroni and cheese casserole with a creamy, custard-like filling and golden top is a vegetarian family comfort classic. This rich, cheesy dish is a holiday table essential that both kids and adults devour.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 430 kcal

#vegetarian #holiday #comfort food

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

elbow macaroni 12 oz
sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 3 cups
whole milk 2 cups
eggs 2 pieces

Seasonings/Sauce

unsalted butter 4 tbsp
salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
mustard powder 0.5 tsp
paprika 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 39 g 36%

Protein 18 g 17%

Fat 22 g 46%

Serving size 230g

Cooking steps

1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 2-quart baking dish for a nonstick finish.
2

Boil elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain thoroughly so no excess water dilutes the custard.
3

While pasta cooks, whisk together eggs, whole milk, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika in a bowl until smooth.
4

Fold drained macaroni, melted butter, and half the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg-milk mixture. Stir well to ensure cheese is evenly distributed.
5

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, top evenly with the remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until set and the surface is golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best slicing.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this macaroni and cheese casserole recipe?

The core ingredient is sharp cheddar cheese, which gives the casserole its rich, classic flavor and creamy texture. Combined with elbow macaroni and whole milk, the cheese creates the iconic custard-like filling that defines a true Southern baked macaroni and cheese.

Q. How do you prevent the macaroni from overcooking in the casserole?

To avoid mushy pasta, cook the elbow macaroni just to al dente, about 1 minute less than the package suggests. Draining thoroughly ensures the custard isn’t diluted, and the short oven baking firms up the texture without overcooking.

Q. How many calories and what is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?

Each serving contains approximately 430 kcal, with 18g protein and 39g carbohydrates. That’s about 17% protein and 36% carbohydrate by caloric contribution, making it a balanced dish with a focus on both comfort and nutrition.

Q. Which seasoning makes the biggest difference in flavor?

A touch of mustard powder stands out as a key seasoning—it accentuates the cheese’s savoriness and adds depth without overpowering. Paprika also gives a subtle warmth and helps develop the casserole’s golden color.

Best Easy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe

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