Corny Macaroni and Cheese Bake

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1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 2-quart or 9x9-inch baking dish with the softened butter.

   Přibližně 2 min

   Poznámka kuchaře: Greasing the dish well prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. 2

   Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to package directions until it's al dente.

   Přibližně 8 min

   Poznámka kuchaře: Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it absorb the sauce without becoming mushy during baking.

3. 3

   While the pasta cooks, combine the milk, cottage cheese, and beaten egg in a large bowl.

   Přibližně 2 min

4. 4

   Whisk the sauce ingredients until they are mostly smooth, then stir in the salt, black pepper, and the portion of cheddar cheese for the sauce.

   Přibližně 1 min

   Poznámka kuchaře: A few small lumps of cottage cheese are perfectly fine.

5. 5

   Drain the cooked macaroni well and return it to the warm pot.

   Přibližně 1 min

6. 6

   Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, add the drained corn, and stir everything together until well combined.

   Přibližně 1 min

7. 7

   Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

   Přibližně 1 min

8. 8

   Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

   Přibližně 20 min

9. 9

   While it bakes, prepare the topping by mixing the crushed crackers, the remaining cheddar for the topping, and the melted butter in a small bowl.

   Přibližně 2 min

   Poznámka kuchaře: Use your fingers to toss the ingredients to ensure the butter coats everything evenly.

10. 10

    After the initial baking time, carefully remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the surface.

    Přibližně 1 min

11. 11

    Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

    Přibližně 15 min

12. 12

    Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

    Přibližně 5 min

    Poznámka kuchaře: This resting period prevents the dish from being too runny when you serve it.