Secret Ingredient Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
532 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Secret Ingredient Macaroni and Cheese
Description
This macaroni and cheese recipe starts by cooking elbow macaroni to an al dente texture which holds shape after baking. Meanwhile, a roux is prepared by melting salted butter and whisking in flour along with salt, white pepper, ground mustard, and onion powder. Milk is added gradually and cooked until the sauce thickens. Sharp cheddar cheese and cayenne pepper sauce are stirred into the sauce, bringing both creaminess and a mild spicy note.
The cheese sauce coats the pasta evenly in a greased pan and is baked at high heat for 10 minutes uncovered to create a slightly golden top while keeping the inside moist and creamy. The cayenne sauce adds a subtle tangy spice that elevates the traditional macaroni and cheese flavor.
Serve this dish hot as a side for grilled or roasted proteins or as a comforting vegetarian entrée. The recipe does not include additional toppings or breading but relies on the sauce’s flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter salted
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper sauce Frank's RedHot brand
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded sharp
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan.
- Fill a large saucepan with water, and bring to a boil. Stir in the macaroni; cook until al dente. Drain well. Pour noodles into prepared 9x13 pan.
- Meanwhile in another large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, and milk; whisk until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Reduce heat to low, and whisk in cheese and hot sauce. Pour cheese sauce over noodles in prepared 9x13 pan and stir to coat.
- Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 532 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 532kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 739mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 323mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 835IU | 17% |
| Calcium | 359mg | 36% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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