Gather ’round, my fellow flavor fanatics, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a wild ride with this Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake! This epic dish is the ultimate comfort food mashup, blending the rich, velvety goodness of mac and cheese with the sweet, irresistible notes of maple syrup. Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors that will have you licking your plate clean and dreaming about seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake
This Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup that will absolutely blow your mind. The combination of creamy, dreamy cheddar cheese and the sweet, irresistible taste of real maple syrup creates a flavor explosion that’s out of this world. But it’s not just about the taste – this dish is also a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding a hungry group or satisfying your own insatiable cravings. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can whip up this sensational meal in no time flat. Get ready to dive into a cheesy, maple-infused heaven that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
To make this Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake, you’ll need a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. The star of the show is, of course, the maple syrup, which adds a rich, aromatic sweetness that perfectly complements the sharp cheddar cheese. You’ll also need elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, salt, and pepper to create the ultimate creamy, cheesy sauce. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
- 8 oz (225g) – Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp (60g) – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) – Milk
- 2 cups (200g) – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheddar Cheese: Gruyère or Gouda (similar melty texture and flavor profile)
- Protein: Cooked bacon or diced ham (for an extra protein boost)
How to Make Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake
Alright, y’all, let’s get this party started! Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake in your very own kitchen.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheesy sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Prepare to be dazzled by the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon Bits: Add some crispy bacon bits for a salty, savory contrast to the sweet maple.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the bake with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra texture.
- Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different types of melty cheeses, like Gruyère or Gouda, to create your own unique flavor profile.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad or steamed veggies.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake is a true comfort food classic, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a nutritional nightmare. While it does contain some indulgent ingredients, it also provides a good amount of protein and carbohydrates to fuel your body.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 46 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake is the perfect make-ahead meal. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely freeze this Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake! After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the cheddar cheese is the star of the show, you can definitely experiment with other types of melty cheeses, like Gruyère, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I add any extra ingredients?
Definitely! This Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake is the perfect canvas for all sorts of tasty add-ins. Try tossing in some crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or sautéed veggies like broccoli or peas. You can also top it with a crunchy breadcrumb or crushed cracker topping for some extra texture.
How spicy can I make this dish?
If you’re a fan of a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting the heat level to your personal preference. Just be careful not to overwhelm the delicious maple and cheddar flavors!
Try These Next
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Macaroni Bake
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac And Cheese With Savory Herb Crumble
- Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac And Cheese Bake
Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 MAC ATTACK
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake is a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese. The blend of sharp cheddar and sweet maple syrup creates a unique flavor that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a potluck gathering!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. 4. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. 5. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. 6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
7. 7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
8. 8. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese together, then sprinkle over the macaroni bake.
9. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
10. 10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, add some cooked crumbled bacon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
You can also substitute the maple syrup with honey for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: macaroni, cheese, creamy, bake, maple