Cheesy Macaroni Bake

Name: Cheesy Macaroni Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 60 g unsalted butter; 60 g all-purpose flour; 600 ml whole milk; 150 g grated cheddar cheese; 100 g grated Trappista cheese; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

pasta

vegetarian

boiled

everyday

main course

creamy

Hungarian

all seasons

Hot

Difficulty

easy

Time

45m

Price Category

average

Calories

High

Cheesy macaroni is a true classic that instantly takes you back to childhood. This creamy, rich dish is the perfect choice for a cold evening or whenever you crave something truly hearty and comforting. Beneath the golden-brown, crispy cheese crust lies tender pasta and a silky cheese sauce, guaranteed to be a favorite for everyone. It's simple to prepare yet offers an unforgettable taste experience.

Steps

Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C for fan-assisted ovens). Cook the macaroni pasta in lightly salted water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions, ensuring it remains al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until you have a light golden roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add the Cheese

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in two-thirds of the grated cheddar and Trappista cheeses, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the optional Dijon mustard. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Assemble and Bake

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe dish, then sprinkle with the remaining grated cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Serve

Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot. Enjoy your meal!

Extra Tips

► Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the oven. Keep it al dente!

► Experiment with different cheeses! A little smoked cheese or Parmesan also works wonderfully.

► If you want it even creamier, stir a little heavy cream into the sauce along with the milk.

Nutrition

	Per 100g	Per Serving 300g
Calories	350kcal	1050kcal
Protein	15g	45g
Fat	18g	54g
Carbohydrate	30g	90g
Fiber	2g	6g
Sugar	4g	12g

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Cheesy Macaroni Bake

pasta

vegetarian

boiled

everyday

main course

creamy

Hungarian

all seasons

Hot

Difficulty

Time

Price Category

Calories

ingredients

Steps

Cook the Pasta

Make Cheese Sauce

Add the Cheese

Assemble and Bake

Serve

Extra Tips

► Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the oven. Keep it al dente!

► Experiment with different cheeses! A little smoked cheese or Parmesan also works wonderfully.

► If you want it even creamier, stir a little heavy cream into the sauce along with the milk.

Nutrition

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vegetables

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