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Macaroni and Cheese

Collage of chocolate chip cookies, waffles, banana bread, and apple crisp, with NIST OWM logo and Recipe Gallery
Credit: NIST

Looking for a warm and delicious side dish? Macaroni and Cheese is a great option!

Orange Background, Black Lettering Macaroni and Cheese

INGREDIENTS

  • 450 g Elbow Pasta (Dry)
  • 10 g Salt
  • 110 g Unsalted Butter
  • 60 g All-purpose Flour
  • 1000 g Whole Milk
  • 370 g Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
  • 110 g Parmesan Cheese (Shredded)
  • 1 g Paprika
  • 1 g Pepper
  • 10 g Salt

TOOLS

  • Spoon and Wisk
  • (1) Mixing Bowl
  • (1) Large Saucepan
  • Colander
  • (1) Medium Saucepan
  • Baking Dish

 

 

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NIST SP 1290, NIST Metric Recipes, printable recipe card series are best when printed on cardstock. Companion resources are available on the NIST Metric Cooking website.
Special Publication (SP) 1290 - NIST Metric Recipes (2023) PDF
Credit: NIST

 

DIRECTIONS

Photo of a plate of macaroni and cheese
Special Publication (SP) 1290 - NIST Metric Recipes (2023) PDF
Credit: Adobe Stock

 

  • Preheat the oven to 160 °C
  • Prepare greased baking dish
  • Add water and salt to a large saucepan and bring to a boil
  • Add pasta to saucepan and cook according to the manufacturer instructions. Drain drain pasta
  • While the pasta is cooking, combine cheddar and parmesan cheeses in a mixing bowl. Divide the cheese mixture into approximately 4 equal parts (120 g each)
  • Melt the butter in the medium saucepan on MEDIUM HEAT. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until combined
  • Measure the milk in a small pitcher, then slowly pour half into the roux mixture and whisk until smooth. Repeat with the remaining milk
  • Constantly whisk sauce until thickened, then remove from heat.
  • Add 120 g of cheese mixture and whisk until smooth. Repeat with the second cheese mixture portion (120 g)
  • Add the cheese sauce into the drained pasta and stir until blended
  • Transfer half the cheesy pasta mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle with the 3rd portion of cheese mixture. Add the remaining cheesy pasta and top with the final cheese mixture (120 g)
  • Bake for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and light golden brown. Garnish with pepper and paprika.
  • Rest the hot dish before serving. 
  • Enjoy!

 

TIPS

  • Gather all ingredients, tools and equipment before undertaking any recipe. 
  • Adults will closely supervise, observe and evaluate skills before permitting independent kitchen work. Prior to undertaking this recipe, collaborate to identify, discuss and avoid kitchen hazards, such as safely applying heat using an oven and adopting food hygiene best practices.
  • Results may vary.

METRIC COOKING CONNECTIONS

Disclaimer: Any mention of commercial products within NIST web pages is for information only; it does not imply recommendation or endorsement by NIST.

Contacts

Created February 27, 2023, Updated September 28, 2023