Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is what’s for dinner tonight! This is my youngest son’s favorite dish that I make. He loves the spicy kick that the Pirate’s Bite Spice Blend gives this Mac and Cheese. My brother-in-law introduced Pirate’s Bite to our family a couple of Christmases ago when we spent the holidays with my husband’s family. You can order it here through this link: https://www.spiceandtea.com/pirate-s-bite-spice-blend.html. While your picking up some Pirate’s Bite, be sure to check out the other great spice blends they have as well!

Below is my recipe for Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Give it a try and maybe it will be a family favorite at your dinner table, too!

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound macaroni or medium shells

2 T butter

2 T olive oil

3 T flour

1 1/2 C milk

1/2 t nutmeg

1/2 t Pirate’s Bite Spice Blend (find and link website)

1/2 t salt

1/4 t black pepper

3 C shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9”x11” baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook macaroni or shells until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.

In the pot that you cooked the pasta in, add the butter and olive oil. Melt the butter completely over medium high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour to make a roux. Add the milk and bring to a simmer until it is thickened, whisking constantly to prevent sticking and burning for about 1-2 minutes. This will also ensure that the flour is fully cooked in the sauce.

Remove sauce from the heat. Add the nutmeg, Pirate’s Bite Spice Blend, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add in 2 C of cheese, a handful at a time, stirring well between each addition. Add your macaroni back into the pot and stir well to combine. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish, then top with the remaining cup of cheese. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Carefully remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes so that it is able to set. I typically serve broccoli as our vegetable with macaroni and cheese: I mean, who doesn’t love the combination of broccoli and cheese!

-Stephanie