Prepare to revolutionize your comfort food game with the most tantalizing, mouth-watering mac and cheese recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Our Secret Ingredient Baked Macaroni Cheese isn't just another pasta dish—it's a creamy, golden-crusted masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure. With a perfect blend of sharp cheddar, creamy sour cream, and a hint of mustard powder, this recipe promises to elevate your mac and cheese from good to absolutely legendary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, sour cream, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the cooked macaroni to the pan and stir to coat the pasta with butter.
- Pour the milk mixture over the pasta and stir to combine. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese begins to melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle additional cheese on top for extra crustiness if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of your Secret Ingredient Baked Macaroni Cheese!
Tips
- Always cook your pasta al dente—it will continue cooking in the oven and you want to avoid mushy noodles.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, more luxurious sauce.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For extra crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
- Experiment with cheese combinations—try adding a bit of gruyère or gouda for more complex flavor.
- If the top isn't browning as desired, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute some milk with low-fat options or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
