Baked Macaroni

Baked Macaroni is a comforting and cheesy vegetarian dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy sauce and a golden breadcrumb topping. It's perfect for a cozy dinner or a delightful side dish at gatherings.

Baked Macaroni
45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
American
550 kcal

Ingredients

  • Macaroni pasta - 150 grams
  • Butter - 30 grams
  • All-purpose flour - 30 grams
  • Milk - 500 ml
  • Cheddar cheese (shredded) - 150 grams
  • Parmesan cheese (grated) - 30 grams
  • Salt - 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Breadcrumbs - 30 grams
  • Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh parsley (chopped) - 1 tablespoon (for garnish)

Steps

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl until well coated.
  7. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated, then sprinkle the mixture over the macaroni.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Carbs: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in protein from cheese, supporting muscle health.
  • Provides carbohydrates for energy, making it a hearty meal.

Tags

AmericanVegetarianBaked Dish