sharp cheddar cheese macaroni recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best sharp cheddar cheese macaroni recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – sharp cheddar cheese macaroni. This comforting dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become a regular in yours too.

The origin of this recipe is unclear to me, but I’ve heard it’s been around since the early days of American cuisine. The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, pasta, and a creamy sauce is a match made in heaven.

My kids love helping me cook this recipe, and it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to make in bulk and can be reheated for a quick meal anytime.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish. The key to making this recipe successful is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese.

A good cheddar cheese makes all the difference in the flavor of this dish. I like to use a mix of cheddar and parmesan cheese for an extra boost of flavor.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day.

Creamy Sharp Cheddar Macaroni

4.5 from 917 votes

A comforting classic dish featuring sharp cheddar cheese and tender macaroni pasta. Topped with breadcrumbs for a perfect crispy finish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni
4 cups water
1 tsp salt

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
3Add 1 tsp salt to the boiling water.
4Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
5Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
6In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
7Add 2 tbsp flour and whisk to form a roux.
8Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
9Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
10Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
11Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
12Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
13Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
14Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
15Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish.
16In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 1 tbsp melted butter.
17Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
18Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
19Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Saucepan
Whisk
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach to make it more nutritious. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Sharp Cheddar Macaroni Works

This sharp cheddar cheese macaroni recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it stores really well – just refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to reheat and serve again!

For reheating ideas, try adding some steamed vegetables on top or serving with a side salad for added nutrition.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Sharp Cheddar Macaroni

Q1: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A1: For this recipe, I recommend using macaroni or other types of short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. These shapes hold onto the cheesy sauce perfectly and make each bite a delight.

Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?

A2: While sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different. If you want to add some extra flavor, try combining cheddar with other cheeses like parmesan or gouda.

Q3: How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy?

A3: To prevent overcooking and mushiness, make sure to cook your pasta al dente according to package instructions. Also, don’t overmix the cooked pasta with the cheesy sauce – it’s better to have some texture left in the pasta for a better experience.

Q4: Can I freeze this recipe for later?

A4: Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that the quality may decrease slightly after freezing and reheating. It’s always best to consume freshly cooked meals whenever possible.

Q5: Are there any nutritional benefits to this recipe?

A5: While this recipe may not be considered ‘healthy’ due to its high-calorie content, it does offer some nutritional benefits thanks to its rich sources of protein from milk and cheese, along with some fiber from the whole-wheat pasta and vegetables added into the sauce.

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