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The Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish

Indulge in the ultimate macaroni and cheese casserole recipe with healthy alternatives and a variety of cheese options

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Traditional North American dish. Baked pasta with cheese.

Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Macaroni and cheese casserole is a timeless favorite that brings us warmth and comfort. This article will guide you through creating the best macaroni and cheese casserole while offering alternative ideas, including healthy recipes and suggestions for the best cheese varieties to elevate your dish. Get ready to indulge in a cheesy, creamy, and unforgettable experience!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
  4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
  7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crispy topping.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.


Alternative Ideas:

  1. Healthy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole:
  • Replace regular elbow macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
  • Use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk.
  • Opt for reduced-fat cheese varieties or experiment with a combination of part-skim mozzarella and sharp cheddar.
  1. Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese Casserole:
  • Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic to the cheese sauce for extra depth of flavor.
  • Incorporate cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed twist.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as smoked Gouda, fontina, or blue cheese.

Choosing the Best Cheese:

  • Sharp cheddar: Offers a rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with macaroni.
  • Gruyere: Adds a nutty and slightly sweet taste, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
  • Parmesan: Provides a savory and salty note that enhances the overall depth of flavor.


With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering macaroni and cheese casserole that’s sure to please. Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative or want to explore gourmet variations, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your personal favorite. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and savor every bite of this ultimate comfort dish!

Check out Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/creamy-macaroni-and-cheese-casserole/

Food and Drink
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    Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington View all posts

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Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

Food and Beverage

Punch Up Your Holiday Beverage Menu

This holiday season, enhance your gatherings with a refreshing Christmas Cranberry Punch recipe featuring cranberries, pineapple, assorted juices, and a hint of rosemary for a tart twist.

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Christmas Cranberry Punch

(Culinary.net) This time of year is all about food and sweet desserts, but don’t forget to quench guests’ thirst with a seasonal sip. This Christmas Cranberry Punch offers a slightly less sweet take on traditional punch so you can add a touch of tart to the beverage cart. Visit Culinary.net to find more delicious holiday recipe ideas.

17304 christmas punch detail image embed1

Christmas Cranberry Punch

  • 1 package fresh cranberries
  • 1 can pineapple chunks
  • 3-4 rosemary twigs
  • 6 cans lemon-lime soda, divided
  • 64 ounces cranberry juice
  • 20 ounces orange pineapple juice
  • 1 orange
  1. The night before, place four cranberries, two pineapple chunks and a few rosemary sprigs in each hole of silicone muffin pan or ice tray. Cover with 1 can lemon-lime soda and freeze.
  2. Chill remaining soda, cranberry juice and orange pineapple juice overnight.
  3. In punch bowl, mix remaining soda, cranberry juice and orange pineapple juice. Slice orange into 5-6 slices. Add lemon-lime soda ice cubes, handful of cranberries and orange slices. Serve.

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SOURCE:
Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/


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Food and Beverage

A Sweet, Savory, Simple Holiday Side Dish

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17304 cranberry asparagus detail intro image

(Culinary.net) No matter what your main course looks like at the holidays, this Asparagus with Cranberry Sauce offers a sweet yet savory complement. Plus, the surprise pop of flavor and color are perfect for a festive tablescape. Find more easy holiday recipes at Culinary.net.

holiday

Asparagus with Cranberry Sauce

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 6

  • 1/2 pound bacon
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus
  • 1 can (14 ounces) whole cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  1. Using kitchen shears, cut bacon into pieces then fry in skillet. Drain and set aside.
  2. In same skillet, add butter and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Saute asparagus then add bacon back to pan.
  3. In saucepan over medium heat, heat cranberry sauce, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
  4. Place asparagus on platter and pour sauce on top.

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:
Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/


Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

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Food and Beverage

Classic Desserts That Combine Christmases Past and Present

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desserts

(Family Features) If holiday gatherings have started to feel more overwhelming than celebratory, it’s time to go back to the basics with seasonal desserts that are easy yet elegant.

Classic Desserts

Wow your crowd this year with a mouthwatering Hummingbird Cake or Coconut Cake that call to mind holidays past without requiring hours spent in the kitchen (like grandma used to do). Or for a classic take on an old favorite, these Christmas Cinnamon Cookies can even let the kiddos get involved – just make the dough then have your little helpers use their favorite cookie cutters to make festive shapes before the oven does the rest of the work.

Find these recipes and more from “Cookin’ Savvy” at Culinary.net.

17285 detail image embed1

Hummingbird Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy

  • 1 spice cake mix
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup banana cream Greek yogurt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple
  • 1 cup crushed pecans
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Frosting:

  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 package pecans (optional)
  1. Heat oven to 350 F.
  2. In mixing bowl, mix spice mix and sugar. Blend in yogurt, eggs and pineapple. In separate bowl, mix pecans, flour and butter then add to cake mixture.
  3. Grease two 8-inch cake pans with butter. Pour half the mixture into each pan then bake 45 minutes. Cool on rack before icing.
  4. To make frosting: In mixing bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
  5. Ice cake then decorate with pecans, if desired.
17285 detail image embed2

Coconut Cake

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy

  • 1 vanilla or white cake mix
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup coconut Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 3 eggs

Frosting:

  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 5 cups powered sugar
  • 2-4 cups shredded coconut
  1. Heat oven to 350 F.
  2. In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour and sugar. Blend in yogurt, milk, butter and eggs.
  3. Grease two 8-inch cake pans with butter. Pour half the mixture into each pan and bake 45 minutes. Cool on rack before icing.
  4. To make frosting: In mixing bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
  5. Ice cake then pat shredded coconut gently into icing.
17285 detail image embed3

Christmas Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy

  • 1 2/3 cups self-rising flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons water (optional)
  • 1 cup powered sugar (optional)
  1. In mixing bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, sugar, brown sugar and egg to make dough. If dough is too dry to form into ball, add water. Form into log and wrap in parchment paper. Refrigerate 1 hour.
  2. Heat oven to 350 F.
  3. Roll dough out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place on cookie sheet covered in parchment paper and bake 8-10 minutes. Let cool on rack then dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:
Culinary.net

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Discover more from Daily News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Continue Reading

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