Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Whenever I make Baked Macaroni and Cheese, I always change the recipe. I change the recipe because I am always in search of the perfect blend of cheeses and spices. I love a sharp cheese because it adds definition to pasta and bechamel sauce. The sharpness of any cheese can add a delicious taste or destroy the recipe.

The right balance of cheese, spices, and milk for Baked Macaroni and Cheese are a must. A sharp cheese mixed with a smooth and creamy cheese is the perfect combination for rich flavor.

I am always in pursuit of tasty sharp cheeses. I remember back home we use to make Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a type of Gouda Cheese imported from Holland. That cheese made everything taste so good. And I am not kidding!!!  You only needed a small quantity to add tons of flavor.

What’s in the recipe?

With every baked macaroni recipe, the perfect cheese is crucial and the same goes for pasta noodles. Creamy macaroni and cheese taste better with small noodles in my opinion. Whereas medium to large noodles may not.

Let’s talk recipe

The recipe contains mayonnaise as one of the main ingredients for flavor. You can use any type of mayo and even a spicy version. It is also best to use the recommended amount so that it mixes well with the cheese.

Edam cheese is a Dutch and semi-hard cheese. It has a great texture with a smooth finish. It is not as sharp, but when mixed with other cheeses such as parmesan, the taste is exceptional.

Gouda cheese as mentioned earlier is smooth and creamy. You can choose either regular or smoked gouda. It all depends on the flavor you are looking for. Both types of cheese work well.

The recipe I created has both. The reason it contains both kinds of cheese is that I am in search of that particular taste from the cheese back home. I think I almost accomplished it.

Dijon mustard is again for flavor. The mustard adds a subtle taste and enhances the flavor of both cheeses. Adding ketchup is just for color.

I hope you like it. Enjoy!

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

The perfect baked cheesy macaroni dish for a special Sunday dinner with family. This recipe is easy to make and deliciously enjoyable. 

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Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Course: Dinner, Side Dish

Keyword: dinner, Easy recipe, pasta dish, pasta meal

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb rigatoni ziti or elbow will work also
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ cup shallots minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk evaporated or regular whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon dijon
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 3 cups edam cheese grated
• 1 cup parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 180ºC / 350ºF / Gas Mark 4. Lightly grease a 4.5 litres (4 quarts) quart baking dish.
• Boil the pasta according to package. Add salt to water before boiling.
• While pasta is cooking, in a separate bowl, beat eggs with white pepper and paprika. Whisk in mayonnaise, ketchup and Dijon mustard. Set aside.
• In another bowl, blend 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 3/4 cup grated Edam cheese. Add egg mixture and stir in shallots.
• Stir in cheese and milk mixture with cooked pasta. Place cooked pasta in the prepared dish and sprinkle the remaining cheeses. Dot with butter and bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes and until the top is brown. Serve hot with a side of vegetable, salad or a meat dish.

Notes

Use medium size pasta noodles for best results. 

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