We absolutely love diving into a bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, and our Creamette Macaroni and Cheese Recipe brings that comfort straight to your table. As a timeless American favorite it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings offering that irresistible mix of tender pasta and gooey cheese.
What makes this recipe stand out is its use of Creamette macaroni which delivers just the right al dente texture every time. We’ve simplified the process so you can whip up this crowd-pleaser with ease ensuring it’s both flavorful and foolproof.
Ingredients
In our Creamette Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, we gather high-quality ingredients that deliver the perfect balance of creamy texture and bold flavor, ensuring a foolproof dish every time.
To prepare this comforting classic, we list the ingredients below in the order they’re used, with specific prep notes for accuracy:
- Creamette Macaroni: 8 ounces (dry), boil until al dente for the ideal texture – this is our star ingredient, providing that signature bite.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted in a saucepan – use for creating a smooth roux base.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, sifted to avoid lumps – essential for thickening the sauce.
- Whole Milk: 2 cups, warmed to room temperature – opt for full-fat for extra creaminess.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded, freshly grated for better melt – the key to that rich, cheesy taste.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, added to taste – enhances overall flavor without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground – adds a subtle kick.
- Ground Nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon, optional for a hint of warmth – elevates the sauce with a traditional twist.
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup, toasted for topping – provides a crispy finish if desired.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Equipment Needed
To bring our Creamette Macaroni and Cheese recipe to life, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. Building on the ingredients we’ve discussed, let’s outline the key equipment we’ll need, organized by the steps in which they’re used. This setup helps us achieve that creamy texture and crispy topping with ease.
- Large Pot: We use a 4-quart or larger pot to boil the Creamette macaroni, allowing plenty of room for the pasta to cook evenly and reach its signature al dente texture without sticking.
- Colander: This is crucial for draining the boiled macaroni quickly, preventing excess water from diluting our rich cheese sauce and maintaining the dish’s comforting creaminess.
- Medium Saucepan: Ideal for creating the cheese sauce, a 2-quart saucepan gives us the space to melt butter, whisk in flour, and incorporate milk and cheese smoothly for a velvety consistency.
- Whisk: We recommend a medium-sized wire whisk to blend the roux and sauce ingredients thoroughly, eliminating lumps and ensuring our Creamette Macaroni and Cheese has a flawless, silky finish.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the pasta and sauce mixture, this tool helps us gently combine everything without scratching our cookware, promoting even coating and flavor distribution.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success, so we use a set of standard cups and spoons to portion out ingredients like milk, butter, and flour precisely.
- Cheese Grater: If our sharp cheddar isn’t pre-shredded, we grab a box grater to quickly prepare the cheese, ensuring it melts evenly and enhances the dish’s gooey appeal.
- Baking Dish: For the final step, a 9×13-inch oven-safe dish allows us to assemble the macaroni mixture with toasted breadcrumbs and bake it to a golden, crispy topping that adds irresistible texture.
- Oven: We preheat our oven to 350°F to bake the assembled dish, transforming it into a bubbly, golden delight that makes this American classic even more satisfying.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through preparing our flavorful Creamette Macaroni and Cheese Recipe step by step for a creamy and comforting dish.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s organize everything to ensure a smooth process. First, preheat the oven to 350°F as recommended for achieving a bubbly golden topping. Measure out 8 ounces of Creamette macaroni, grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese for easy melting, and prepare seasonings including ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of optional ground nutmeg. Toast ½ cup of breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp then set aside for the topping.
Cook Macaroni
Next, we boil the pasta to reach its signature al dente texture that makes our Creamette Macaroni and Cheese Recipe stand out. Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 8 ounces of Creamette macaroni and ½ teaspoon of salt to the pot then cook for 7-8 minutes stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender yet firm. Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process preserving its perfect chew.
Make Cheese Sauce
With the macaroni ready, we create a rich velvety cheese sauce that forms the heart of our Creamette Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat then whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese along with ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and optional ground nutmeg until the cheese melts into a glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon with a warm inviting aroma.
Assemble and Bake
Finally, we combine all elements and bake to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior and gooey interior in our Creamette Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked macaroni with the warm cheese sauce until every piece is evenly coated in the creamy mixture. Transfer the coated pasta to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish spreading it evenly then sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy contrast. Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dish bubbles with a savory scent that fills the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Creamette Macaroni and Cheese recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare components in advance to save time while preserving that irresistibly creamy texture and golden, bubbly topping. Follow these steps to make ahead without compromising flavor or quality.
Preparing Components Ahead
To streamline our process, we start by prepping the key elements separately:
- Cook the Creamette macaroni: Boil 8 ounces of Creamette macaroni to al dente perfection as outlined in the main instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Make the cheese sauce: Prepare the sauce by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux, then gradually adding 2 cups of whole milk and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth. Cool the sauce completely, then transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. This ensures the sauce remains velvety and rich when reheated.
Assembling and Storing the Dish
Once components are ready, we assemble for easy baking later:
- Combine the cooked Creamette macaroni with the prepared cheese sauce in a mixing bowl, stirring until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with toasted breadcrumbs, and cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months—simply wrap the dish in an additional layer of foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating and Baking Tips
When it’s time to enjoy our Creamette Macaroni and Cheese, we reheat and bake for optimal results:
- If refrigerated, let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then follow the same baking steps, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- For the best texture, stir gently halfway through baking to redistribute the creamy sauce and achieve an even, golden-brown crust.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 days for components; up to 24 hours for assembled dish | Keep below 40°F and use within recommended time to maintain freshness. |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Label containers with dates; avoid repeated freezing and thawing for quality. |
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Creamette Macaroni and Cheese recipe to bring warmth to your table every time. It’s a timeless favorite that elevates simple ingredients into something truly special.
As we wrap up we’ll remind you that experimenting with tweaks can make it your own while keeping that creamy goodness intact. Dive in and savor the comfort it offers – it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamette Macaroni and Cheese recipe?
Creamette Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting American classic, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. It uses Creamette macaroni for an ideal al dente texture and features a simple, flavorful mix of cheese sauce and toppings, making it easy to prepare at home.
What ingredients are needed for Creamette Macaroni and Cheese?
You’ll need 8 ounces of Creamette macaroni, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, optional nutmeg, and toasted breadcrumbs for topping. These high-quality ingredients ensure a creamy, delicious result.
How do I prepare Creamette Macaroni and Cheese step by step?
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook macaroni to al dente, make a roux with butter and flour, add milk and cheese for a smooth sauce, mix with macaroni, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly. It takes about 30-40 minutes total.
What equipment is required for this recipe?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling macaroni, a colander for draining, a medium saucepan for the cheese sauce, a whisk for blending, measuring cups and spoons, a cheese grater, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and a baking dish for assembly and baking.
Can I make Creamette Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the macaroni and cheese sauce in advance, then assemble and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from refrigerated at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or from frozen for 40-50 minutes for optimal results.
What are the nutritional facts for this recipe?
Each serving has about 450 calories, 18g protein, 45g carbohydrates, 22g fat, and 600mg sodium. It’s a hearty dish that provides good protein from cheese and pasta, but enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How do I store and reheat Creamette Macaroni and Cheese leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for quicker results, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.