Are you craving that comforting, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese but want to avoid the flour? This recipe delivers a luxuriously creamy, baked mac and cheese without relying on any flour for thickening. It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game! This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively!), or quick dinner ideas. It's a delicious dish that showcases the magic of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or substitute with more cheddar)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, for bread crumbs
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Make sure to drain it thoroughly; excess water will thin out your cheese sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and creamy. Reduce heat to low and continue to stir until the sauce is slightly thickened. This is where the magic happens; no flour needed!
Step 3: Combine Everything
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and beaten eggs. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Then, stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Use high-quality cheese: The flavor of your mac and cheese will depend heavily on the cheese you use. Don't skimp on this!
- Don't overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta will continue to cook in the oven and result in perfectly al dente mac and cheese.
- Properly drain the pasta: As mentioned earlier, excess water will make your sauce watery. Really drain that pasta!
- Grease the baking dish: This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
Variations:
- Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Crumble cooked bacon and stir it into the cheese sauce before adding the pasta.
- Vegetable Mac and Cheese: Add cooked broccoli, cauliflower, or peas to the cheese sauce along with the pasta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific cheeses and milk used. However, a rough estimate per serving (assuming 8 servings) is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: 25-30g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This recipe for baked mac and cheese without flour offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic comfort food. It's a great example of a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on taste. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and flourless masterpiece!